Beyond Reserpine: A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Rauwolfia serpentina

  • Unique Paper ID: 204488
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 3261-3265
  • Abstract:
  • Rauwolfia serpentina is an important medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine due to its significant therapeutic properties. It is particularly valued for its rich phytochemical composition, especially indole alkaloids such as reserpine and ajmaline, which are responsible for its biological activities.[1]. This review focuses on the phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of Rauwolfia serpentina. The plant exhibits notable antihypertensive, sedative, and central nervous system effects, which have been supported by various scientific studies. Its bioactive compounds act by influencing neurotransmitter levels and cardiovascular functions, thereby contributing to its medicinal applications.[2] Recent studies have also explored its therapeutic applications and molecular level, highlighting its potential in modern drug development. In addition, different parts of the plant, especially roots, have been traditionally used for treating various health conditions. However, despite its therapeutic potential, the plant may cause adverse effects when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. Additionally, aspects related to safety, toxicity, and future research perspective have been discussed. Overall, Rauwolfia serpentina remains an important subject of research due to its pharmacological significance and potential for future drug development.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{204488,
        author = {Akshata Kude and Sujal Dhamankar and Tejashree Mandlik and Sapna Kendre and Pooja Jadhav and Vilasini Pandav},
        title = {Beyond Reserpine: A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Rauwolfia serpentina},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {3261-3265},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=204488},
        abstract = {Rauwolfia serpentina is an important medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine due to its significant therapeutic properties. It is particularly valued for its rich phytochemical composition, especially indole alkaloids such as reserpine and ajmaline, which are responsible for its biological activities.[1]. This review focuses on the phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of Rauwolfia serpentina. The plant exhibits notable antihypertensive, sedative, and central nervous system effects, which have been supported by various scientific studies. Its bioactive compounds act by influencing neurotransmitter levels and cardiovascular functions, thereby contributing to its medicinal applications.[2]
Recent studies have also explored its therapeutic applications and molecular level, highlighting its potential in modern drug development. In addition, different parts of the plant, especially roots, have been traditionally used for treating various health conditions. However, despite its therapeutic potential, the plant may cause adverse effects when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. Additionally, aspects related to safety, toxicity, and future research perspective have been discussed. 
Overall, Rauwolfia serpentina remains an important subject of research due to its pharmacological significance and potential for future drug development.},
        keywords = {Rauwolfia serpentina, reserpine, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, antihypertensive activity, alkaloids, medicinal plant},
        month = {June},
        }

Cite This Article

Kude, A., & Dhamankar, S., & Mandlik, T., & Kendre, S., & Jadhav, P., & Pandav, V. (2026). Beyond Reserpine: A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Rauwolfia serpentina. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 13(1), 3261–3265.

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