Evaluating the therapeutic efficiency and drug targeting ability of alkaloids present in Rauwolfia serpentina

Rauwolfia serpentina is reported in an Ayurvedic medicinal system for centuries, for the treatment of various ailments such as snakebites, insomnia, hypertension, and insanity. Scientific evaluation of these documents can be valuable for finding new potential use in neurological disorders. The work presents the brief overview of R. serpentina including a description of the plant, its active chemical constituents and pharmacological properties with the major emphasis on cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders. This review compiles information available in the scientific literature from databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, India bioscience.org, Herbs - Medicinal plant usage and Identification Database, Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda and Siddha, Missouri Botanical Garden, National Medicinal Plants Board, and the International Plant Names Index. Information gathered from the literature has shown that the alkaloids are the major constituents of the plant imparting various pharmacological properties. Reserpine, the Indole alkaloid, is the most active compound of R. serpentine. The plant is known to possess antidiarrheal, antimicrobial activity apart from using it for the treatment of circulatory disorders, rheumatism, hypertension, insanity, epilepsy, and leaves are used in the removal of opacities of the cornea. Research shows that R. serpentine is a potential source of compounds pertaining medicinal applications. It provides an interesting subject in the search for new drugs of natural origin.