Botanical Overview
Rauvolfia serpentina, commonly known as Indian snakeroot, Chandrabhaga, and Sarpagandha, is a member of the Apocynaceae family. It is native to South and Southeast Asia. The root of the plant is primarily used in herbal medicine.
Energetics
This herb is considered cooling and drying with a bitter taste. Its energetic directionality is descending, and it has a relaxing tonicity acting mainly on the qi aspect of physiology.
Primary Actions
- Antihypertensive
- Calmative
- Sedative
Indications
Western
- Hypertension
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Palpitations
Syndromes
- Essential hypertension
- Hyperadrenergic states
- Nervous agitation
TCM
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Liver yang rising
- Heart fire
Ayurveda
- High blood pressure
- Mental agitation
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Vata-Pitta imbalance
- Rakta Dushti (blood vitiation)
Unani
- Hypertension
- Palpitation
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Imtila damavi (blood congestion)
- Strychnina wegen (nervous disorders)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains important phytochemicals including alkaloids such as reserpine, ajmaline, and serpentine, which contribute to its antihypertensive and sedative effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered root 250–500 mg 1–3 times daily
- Extract standardized to 0.1–0.3% reserpine, typical dose 0.05–0.1 mg reserpine/day
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2–5 mL 2–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Rauvolfia serpentina may cause hypotension, bradycardia, nasal congestion, and depression. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to risk of fetal harm and insufficient safety data. Use cautiously with antihypertensive and CNS depressant medications to avoid additive effects. Not recommended for individuals with depression or bradycardia.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary ruler: Saturn
Elemental ruler: Earth
Selected References
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Herbal Monograph
- Pharmacological and clinical aspects of Rauvolfia serpentina (Kumar et al.)
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Grieve’s Herbal: Rauvolfia serpentina
- Astrological Correspondences of Medicinal Plants (John M. Smith)