General Introduction
Rauwolfia alkaloids are indole alkaloids known primarily for their sedative and antihypertensive effects.
They have been used extensively in traditional medicine for treating hypertension and mental disorders.
Illustration of Rauwolfia
Synonyms
Common Name: Indian snakeroot alkaloids
Scientific Name: Rauwolfia serpentina alkaloids
Other Names: Reserpine, Ajmaline, Serpentine alkaloids
Biological Source
Plant: Extracted from the dried roots of Rauvolfia serpentina.
Family: Apocynaceae
Composition
Major Alkaloids: Reserpine, Ajmaline, Ajmalicine, Serpentine.
Chemistry & Chemical Classes
Chemical Class: Indole alkaloids
Structure Details:
Reserpine features a yohimbine-type skeleton with a methoxybenzoyl group.
Ajmaline contains an indole moiety with a unique polycyclic structure.
Solubility: Primarily lipophilic; however, water-soluble salts are formed for therapeutic use.
Therapeutic Uses
Reserpine: Used as an antihypertensive agent by depleting catecholamines and serotonin from peripheral nerve endings.
Ajmaline: Acts as an antiarrhythmic agent in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Ajmalicine: Employed for peripheral vasodilation and in treating Raynaud's disease.
Commercial Applications
Reserpine: Available in tablet form for hypertension and mild psychosis.
Ajmaline: Marketed as an injectable for arrhythmia management.
Widely exported for various pharmaceutical applications.