Title: Rauwolfia serpentina
Trademarks: Hiwolfia (Bowman); Koglucoid (Panray); Raudixin (BMS); Rauserpol (Rhewie Pharma); Rauverid (OJ & F); Rauwoldin (OJ & F); Rauwolfemms (Truxton); Serfolia (Hauck); Serpina (Himalaya); Wolfina (OJ & F)
Literature References: Powdered, dried root of
Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.
Apocynaceae, a small shrub native to the Orient from India to Sumatra. Contains many indole alkaloids of which reserpine, rescinnamine and deserpidine are the primary constitutents. Others include: reserpiline, yohimbine, ajmaline, serpentine, serpetinine. Review and bibliography: Monachino,
Econ. Bot. 8, 349-365 (1954). Clinical trial in hypertension: M. C. Srivastava
et al., Indian Pract. 20, 279 (1967); in combination with chlorothiazide: W. M. Smith,
Circ. Res. 40, Suppl I, I98 (1977). LC determn of reserpine-rescinnamine content: U. R. Cieri,
J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem. 70, 540 (1987).
Derivative Type: Alseroxylon
CAS Registry Number: 8001-95-4
Trademarks: Austrawolf (Commonwealth); Egalin (Dainippon); Gendon (Organon); Rautensin (Sandoz); Rauwiloid (3M Pharma); Ra-Valeas (Valeas); Rivadescin (Schaper & Brðmer)
Properties: Alkaloidal extract of the dried root. Red, amorphous powder with characteristic odor. Contains 0.15-0.2% reserpine-rescinnamine alkaloids.
Therap-Cat: Antihypertensive.
