Rauvolfia (Noun)
Meaning
Any shrub or small tree of the genus Rauwolfia having leaves in whorls and cymose flowers; yield substances used medicinally especially as emetics or purgatives or antihypertensives.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Rauwolfia serpentina, commonly known as sarpagandha, has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for treating high blood pressure and other health issues.
- The Rauwolfia alkaloids, which include ajmaline, serpentine and reserpine, have been primarily isolated from the Rauwolfia plant and used extensively in pharmaceutical applications.
- Fresh Rauwolfia can be found in different forms like capsules, powder, or even tea and are being increasingly consumed worldwide due to its potential health benefits.
- Some indigenous areas use Rauwolfia as a natural cure to lower blood pressure and treat related diseases, but more extensive studies are required to prove its actual efficacy.
- Research on Rauwolfia continues, due to its diverse array of pharmacological uses including antimicrobial and antifungal properties and extracts from which may aid in managing deadly conditions like leprosy and other diseases.