Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) – Indian snakeroot

Sarpagandha is botanically Rauwolfia Serpentina and also called Indian snakeroot in English. It is a famous ayurvedic herb used for hypertension (high blood pressure) management. Its root powder (called Sarpagandha Churna) is usually best for using in hypertension than its extract or derivatives to minimize its side effects and increase its effectiveness for long-standing action. It is also used for insomnia (sleeplessness), mental disorders characterized by symptoms like convulsions, excessive talking, maniacal behavior, aggressive behavior etc. In mental disorders, it is generally used along with Jatamansi (Spikenard). This combination calms the central nervous system and reduces anxiety, irritability, and aggression. It can also be used for the treatment of schizophrenia, epilepsy, psychosis and other mental disorders.

Botanical Description

Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia Serpentina) is an evergreen perennial undershrub. It is native to India, Burma, Sri Lanka, China, and Pakistan. In India, it is found in Bihar, Punjab, Orissa, Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

Synonyms & Vernacular Names

Botanical Classification (Plant Taxonomy)

Plant Description

Medicinal Parts

Rauwolfia Serpentina roots are used for the medicinal purposes. Its roots contain the highest amount of active substances, which are beneficial as anti-anxiety, sedative, antihypertensive, and relaxing effects.

Phytochemistry (Chemical Composition)

The following phytochemicals are found in Rauwolfia Serpentina roots: (1)

• RESERPINE
• RESERPILINE
• SERPENTINE
• AJMALINE
• AJMALICINE
• AJMALIMINE
• ARICINE
• CORYNANTHINE
• DESERPIDINE
• RESCINNAMINE
• RESCINNAMIDINE
• ISORESERPINE
• ISORESERPILINE
• INDOBINE
• INDOBININE
• SERPENTININE
• YOHIMBINE

The main active constituent in Rauwolfia Serpentina is RESERPINE, which is well-known for its antipsychotic and antihypertensive action. The good amount of RESERPINE is present in roots, then stem and leaves. In dry root powder, RESERPINE can be present from 0.03% to 0.14%. (2) Newly identified indole alkaloids are:

• N(b)-METHYLAJMALINE
• N(b)-METHYLISOAJMALINE
• 3-HYDROXYSARPAGINE
• YOHIMBINIC ACID
• ISORAUHIMBINIC ACID

New, IRIDOID GLUCOSIDE named 7-EPILOGANIN and new sucrose derivative, 6′-O-(3, 4, 5-TRIMETHOXYBENZOYL) GLOMERATOSE A are also found. (3)

Pharmacological Actions

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) is mainly antihypertensive, sedative, antianxiety, antipsychotic and hypnotic. In addition to these properties, it is also known for anti-proliferative, anti-diuretic, antifungal, antimicrobial, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Medicinal Properties

• Antihypertensive
• Antipsychotic (neuroleptic)
• Hypnotic
• Sedative
• Anti-anxiety
• Antimicrobial
• Anthelmintic
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-proliferative
• Anti-diuretic

Ayurvedic Properties

Sarpagandha mainly works on VATA DOSHA and KAPHA DOSHA. Therefore, Sarpagandha is most suitable for individuals with VATA and KAPHA dominant symptoms. Sarpagandha may not be suitable for patients with PITTA DOSHA manifestations or should be used with a proper care if required especially with milk. For decreasing its side effects, which occurs due to its effects on the Pitta Dosha, other medicines like Mukta Pishti, Praval Pishti, Rose Flowers or Gulkand, Kushta Zamurd or Panna Pishti, Centella Asiatica, Shankhpushpi, etc. should be used along with it.

Therapeutic Indications

• Insomnia (Sleeplessness)
• Epilepsy
• Psychosis
• Intestinal Worms
• Hypertension – High Blood Pressure
• Dysmenorrhea
• High-Grade Fever – it reduces fever and feeling of restlessness and discomfort
• Snakebite
• Abdominal Pain due to constipation
• Uncontrollable outburst of fear or emotions
• Headache
• Hiccup
• Whooping Cough
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Dysentery
• Hangover due to excess alcohol intake
• Uterine Pain due to or after miscarriage

Benefits & Medicinal Uses

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) roots are used for calming the central nervous system. It is helpful for reducing anxiety and maniacal behavior. In Ayurveda, it is also used for the treatment of high blood pressure, diarrhea, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, snakebite, insomnia, mental disorders, headache, epilepsy, whooping cough, hiccup and breathing troubles.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Rauwolfia Serpentina root powder is useful for lowering and managing the blood pressure. RESERPINE presents in the roots binds the VESICULAR MONAMINE TRANSPORTERS (VMATs) and inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine into secretory vesicles and depletes serotonin and catecholamines from the from central and peripheral axon terminals. It results in depletion of neurotransmitters and reduces promulgation of the nerve impulses occurring in the postsynaptic nerve cells. This depletion results in suppression of sympathetic nerve function, which decreases arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Through this action, it reduces the blood pressure. The depletion caused by Serpentina can last for days to weeks, so it exerts long-lasting effects. This action may also cause many side effects for which RESERPINE alkaloid is now rarely used in modern medicine.

However, Rauwolfia Serpentina in crude natural form does not cause severe side effects like its alkaloid RESERPINE. It may be due to other alkaloids present in the roots, which balance or reduce the adverse effects of RESERPINE and each other. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends using Rauwolfia Serpentina in its natural form as a whole root powder or its powder’s tablets (in low dosage i.e. less than 1 gram per day) than its single alkaloid, derivative or extract. In this dosage, the presence of RESERPINE is insignificant to cause any severe side effects, but the whole herb acts wonderfully for the management of hypertension, so we can conclude that Rauwolfia Serpentina also has other active constituents in addition to RESERPINE, which also lowers the blood pressure and reduces the ill effects of each other.

In mild to moderate hypertension, Rauwolfia Serpentina Root Powder (Sarpagandha Churna) can be used in the following dosage.

In Ayurveda, Sarpagandha is also used in combinations, which reported safer and more effective for the management of high blood pressure. Mostly used combinations are:

Sarpagandha & Khurasani Ajwain

Sarpagandha, Cardamom & Shilajit

Sarpagandha, Giloy & Amla

Sarpagandha, Pushkarmool & Guggul

Sarpagandha, Brahmi, Arjuna, Ashwagandha, Giloy & Jatamansi – Best One

Also Read: Ayurvedic Medicine for High Blood Pressure

Insomnia (Sleeplessness)

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) has hypnotic action, which helps to induce sleep. Its root powder can be used for this purpose along with Rose Distillate (Gulab Arq) 2 hours before sleep. For the best results, Sarpagandha Ghan Vati or the following combination is used in ayurveda.

Mental Disorders

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) has hypnotic, antipsychotic (neuroleptic), sedative and anti-anxiety actions. Therefore, it helps to treat several types of mental disorders with aggression, crying, running, beating and sleeplessness. In such cases, it should be used along with Jatamansi Root Powder as follows:

High-Grade Fever

In some cases, high-grade fever (103 F to 106 F) results in hallucinations, confusion, irritability, and convulsions. In Ayurveda, Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) is best for reducing fever, preventing and treating these symptoms. In high-grade fever, Sarpagandha Powder is used in dosage of 500 mg thrice daily along with Coconut Water (Nariyal Pani) or Rose Distillate (Gulab Arq). Other medicines for treating the underlying cause of fever should also be given.

Hangover due to excess alcohol intake

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) reduces the symptoms of hangover occurring after heavy drinking. It helps to induce sleep and reduces other symptoms. In such case, it should be used along with Rose Distillate (Gulab Arq) in dosage of 1 gram twice daily.

Uterine Pain due to or after miscarriage

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) is useful in the treatment of uterine pain occurring due to miscarriage. It contracts the uterus and helps to eliminate the toxins and residues from the uterine cavity. Then it relaxes the uterine muscles, bleeding stops and pain reduces. In such case, Sarpagandha Churna should be used in dosage of 500 mg thrice daily for 1 to 2 days. Then its dosage should be reduced to 250 mg thrice daily for another 3 days.

Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) reduces pains occurring during the menstrual periods. It modulates the blood flow during menstruation and reduces cramps and throbbing pain. In such case, its root powder can be used in following way.

Dysentery

Along with Kutajarishta, Sarpagandha Powder in dosage of 250 mg thrice daily is useful for treating dysentery. It reduces frequency of loose stools, checks bleeding and alleviates pain.

Snake Bite

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) is a drug of choice in ayurveda for bite by SAW SCALED VIPER SNAKE (PHURSA SNAKE). Its roots decoction prepared with following technique is useful for the treatment of snake poison.

Dosage & Administration

Safety Profile

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) is well-tolerated in most individuals in the recommended dosage. It may also have a few side effects in which it should be stopped or taken along with herbs, which helps to reduce its side effects.

Side Effects

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) can cause following side effects.

• Stuffy nose or Nasal Congestion (Most Common)
• Dryness of the mouth (Most Common)
• Loss of Appetite
• Diarrhea
• Nausea & vomiting
• Swelling of lower legs or feet

Rauwolfia Serpentina alkaloid can cause following side effects in addition to above listed side effects:

• Faintness or Drowsiness
• Impotence in men
• Feeling of weakness or loss of energy
• Reduced attention span
• Mental depression
• Nervousness
• Vivid dreams
• Early morning sleeplessness
• Slow heartbeat
• Abdominal Pain
• Black or tarry stools
• Blood in vomiting
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Slow heartbeat
• Difficult or painful urination
• Itching
• Skin Rash
• Stiffness
• Trembling
• Bruising

If any of these side effects occurs, then you should stop the use of Rauwolfia Serpentina alkaloid immediately and consult your physician.

Overdose Symptoms

The overdose of Rauwolfia Serpentina can cause following unwanted effects.

• Heating sensation in the body
• Slow heart rate
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Pregnancy

Rauwolfia Serpentina is likely UNSAFE during pregnancy because it can pass through the placental barrier and cause unwanted effects and birth defects.  According to rat study, it can decrease the survival rate of newborn babies. In pregnant women, it can cause Loss of appetite and breathing difficulties. These side effects can also appear in baby after birth. Therefore, all forms of Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) should be avoided during pregnancy.

Lactation

The alkaloids of Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) may also pass into the breastmilk. It would be best to avoid all forms of Rauwolfia Serpentina by lactating mothers.

It can cause following side effects in breastfeeding infant.

• Loss of appetite
• Breathing troubles
• Low body temperature

Contraindications

Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) should not be used in the following health conditions:

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
• Gastritis (alone should not be used.)
• Peptic Ulcers
• Depression
• Parkinsonism