A review of the therapeutic properties of the medical herb ( Rauvolfia serpentine)

R. serpentina is an evergreen plant as a member of Apocynaceae family and is used in the treatment of some of the diseases including hypertension. More than 100 species are included in the Rauwolfia genus, and they are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Central America and South America. The plant usually grows to a height 60 - 90 cm with the leaves as elliptical or lanceolate shaped. It also has small pink or white flowers, with shiny purple or black and round fruits. The root of this plant has been used for a long time in India and the Malay peninsula as an antidote to the sting of insects and poisonous reptiles. It has also been used to reduce fever, as a stimulant to uterine contractions, diarrhea, for insomnia, and particularly for the treatment of insanity. The present study introduces botanical aspects, effective materials and scientific evaluation of using R. serpentine. The author emphasizes on the importance of observing the suitable dose of using R. serpentine plant and screening the patients to minimize its side-effects and introduces this plant a good recommendation to control and treat some diseases such as high systolic hypertension and mental diseases such as anxiety and schizophrenia.

Keywords:

Rauvolfia serpentina , Asrole , Medicinal herbs , Natural treatment , Blood pressure