Abstract

Rauvolfia Serpentina is a medicinal plant of exceptional medicinal properties. It is a major medicinal plant in Indian and Chinese traditional therapeutics. In India, the use of this herb is almost 3000 years old and was known as Sarpagandha. The root, stem, and leaf all contain the active ingredient which has got medicinal properties. It is a tropical shrub and the height ranges from 15 centimetres to 60 CMs. It is a flowering plant. The leaves are 7-10 cm long; the flower is white and violet in color. The medicinal properties are due to the various phytochemicals found in various parts of the plant. The root contains a maximum amount of these phytochemicals. They have been classified to six major categories based on their chemical structures and characteristics. These categories include carbohydrates, lipids, phenolics, terpenoids and alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. The chemistry and therapeutic use of various alkaloids found in R. Serpentina have been extensively investigated and authenticated. It has shown two main pharmacological actions i.e. lowering of Blood pressure and sedative actions. Successful clinical trials have been undertaken to establish its use in neuropsychiatry, gynaecological and geriatric disorders also. The therapeutic use of R Serpentina has been studied in mental disorders like Anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, seizers, insomnia and sleep disorders. The results are encouraging and consistent whether the whole root, extract or alseroxylon is used. It is also used in the treatment of Diarrhoea, dysentery and gastrointestinal motility disorders. The roots are believed to stimulate uterine contraction and help in childbirth. It has shown the variable hypoglycaemic effect in diabetic patients. The present review aims to revisit its phytochemicals and to underline its therapeutic virtues.