Rauwolfia Serpentina (Indian Snakeroot)

Family: Apocynaceae

Part Used: Root

Active Constituents:

Indole Alkaloids (reserpine, recinnamine, deserpidine)

Medicinal Actions:

Anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, anxiolytic, sedative, neuroleptic in large doses

Medicinal Uses:

The most common use for Rauwolfia is in treatment of hypertension. It works very well alone, or may be included in a formula. Initial change in the blood pressure will take about two weeks. Small to medium doses will take several months, or even up to a year, to create permanent change in the hypertensive status of the patient. The half-life of this medication is long; so watch the BP for a month on a regular basis after discontinuing use. Rauwolfia is thought to work in the autonomic centers of the diencephalon to reduce catecholamine levels in the brain. The main effect seems to be on the amount of norepinephrine. The patient then experiences hypotension, reduction of heart rate and pupillary contraction. It will eliminate headaches secondary to hypertension.

Because of this action, Rauwolfia is also known as a sedative that decreases psychotic excitement associated with the delusion and hallucinations of schizophrenia. It is also used to treat patients expressing psychosomatic illnesses, insomnia, and anxiety.

According to Bill Mitchell, ND, the patient should always be given a good mineral supplement at bedtime, because Rauwolfia causes electrolyte depletion. He also combines Rauwolfia with either Tilia or Viburnum in equal parts at a dose of 20 drops twice daily.

Contraindications and Side Effects:

Rauwolfia is a teratogen and is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is also contraindicated for use in patients with depression, because it can exacerbate the depression in sensitive individuals. Because it depresses myocardial contractility it is contraindicated in patients with CHF. Side effects include nasal congestion in some patients and in long-term use at high dose it can lead to Parkinson type tremors.

Toxicity:

The early signs of toxicity include abdominal cramping and diarrhea, ulcerations of the GI tract, water retention, skin flushing, pupillary contraction, hypotension, bradycardia, vertigo, dullness of the mind and nightmares. Later signs of toxicity include tremors, depression and coma.

Pharmacy:

You will want to begin treatment in smaller doses and increase the amount gradually until there is a drop in pressure.

Tincture (1:5) – 10 drops BID to start

Whole Extract – 100 mg BID the first day, then maintain at 50 – 200 mg a day

Reserpine (Purified extract) – 0.5 mg QD X 1 – 2 weeks, then 0.1 – 0.25 mg daily

For the sedative effects:

Tincture (1:5) – 5 drops Hs