Rauwolfia Serpentina Research Articles

Formulation And Evaluation Of An herbal Anti Inflammatory Ointment Containing Rauvolfia Serpentina Extract

Rauvolfia serpentina is an important medicinal plant in the pharmaceutical world due to the presence of its immense therapeutic properties. The plant is known for curing various disorders because of the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phlobatannins, phenols, resins, saponins sterols, tannins and terpenes. Used as a anti Inflammatory.

Improving the root yield, quality, water productivity and economics of sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth.) through irrigation and nitrogen management

Improving the root yield, quality, water productivity and economics of sarpagandha (<i>Rauwolfia serpentina</i> L. Benth.) through irrigation and nitrogen management

Effects of Repeated Administration of Rauwolfia Serpentina on Stress-Induced Anorexia and Leptin Levels: Relationship With Adaptation to Stress

Background: Stress is a major contributor to various health issues, including depression, anorexia nervosa, diabetes, and obesity. Rauwolfia serpentina, a traditional medicinal plant, has shown potential in alleviating stress-induced effects due to its influence on serotonin neurotransmission and its anxiolytic properties. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated administration of Rauwolfia serpentina on stress-induced anorexia and leptin levels, and its relationship with adaptation to stress in rats. Methods: Male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: DMSO unstressed, DMSO stressed, Rauwolfia serpentina unstressed, and Rauwolfia serpentina stressed. The stressed groups were subjected to two hours of immobilization daily for five days, followed by oral administration of Rauwolfia serpentina at 10 mg/kg. Behavioral assessments included the open field and light-dark transition tests. Body weight, food intake, and plasma levels of glucose, leptin, and corticosterone were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with post-hoc Newman-Keuls test, and significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: Rauwolfia serpentina significantly improved body weight maintenance (98.9 ± 1.3% vs. 99.5 ± 1.7%) and increased food intake (16.3 ± 0.6 g vs. 16.5 ± 0.5 g) in stressed rats. It also reduced anxiety-like behaviors and lowered corticosterone levels (15.9 ± 1.6 ng/mL vs. 18.4 ± 1.7 ng/mL) in stressed groups (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Rauwolfia serpentina effectively alleviates stress-induced anorexigenic and anxiogenic effects, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing stress-related disorders.

Method development and validation for quantification of Yohimbine in root of Rauwolfia serpentina by HPTLC

Plants are a priceless and vital resource that give us medicine, food, fibre, and all other necessities. The evergreen shrub, Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz., also known as Indian snakeroot, sarpagandha is a member of the Apocynaceae family. Rauwolfia serpentina has fewer negative effects and an abundance of phytochemicals in the roots and leaves of the plant, it shows a wide range of therapeutic activity. With the goal of developing a densitometric high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method, in order to quantify Yohimbine hydrochloride in Rauwolfia roots, it will help to insure the collection and harvesting time. The five distinct brands of market Rauwolfia root samples are compared with in-house samples prepared in the laboratory. The silica gel 60 F254 high-performance thin-layer chromatography plates were used with toluene, Toluene : Ethyl acetate : Diethylamine (7:1.5:1.5 v/v/v) as a mobile phase. The validation parameters for the developed method were carried out as per the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guideline Q2 (R1). The calibration curve was found to be linear over a range of 1-7 μg/spot for yohimbine. The method involves densitometric detection at 280 nm. The relative standard deviations (RSD) for precision were found to be lower than 2% for both analytes. Percent recoveries for accuracy were performed and found to be 98.5-99.98% for yohimbine, The LOD and LOQ for Yohimbine were 0.08 μg/ml and 0.24 μg/ml, respectively. Validation parameters were carried out as per International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guideline Q2 (R1). The Rf value of 0.64 have been observed for Yohimbine. This HPTLC densitometric method is highly suitable for the analysis of Yohimbine present in the dosage of marketed herbal products of sarpagandha root without any interference.

Relationship between the root processing method and quality of herbal medicine of Rauvolfia serpentina cultivated in Japan

Rauvolfia serpentina roots are used as herbal medicine for snake and insect bites, fever, malaria, abdominal pain, hypertension, and dysentery in Southeast Asian countries. This study evaluates the content of reserpine, ajmaline, and ajmalicine in R. serpentina roots obtained with an efficient root processing method. The plants were cultivated in Tanegashima Island in southern part of Japan, where NIBIOHN's experimental farm station is located. We examined both the type of cork layer removal method (manual work, drum mixer washing, and high-pressure washing) and dried roots. We found that the resulting active ingredient contents were not significantly different between manual work and 30 min of drum mixer washing, and high-pressure washing. The washing in a drum mixer for 30 min could be an efficient root processing method. The amount of each active ingredient was compared in each root part (large-, middle-, and small-diameter roots), and there were no significant difference in their contents. In conclusion, R. serpentina roots having a diameter ≥ 0.5 cm contain a similar amount of active ingredients, suggesting that the quality of the crude drug does not vary in the root part. Thus, our study provides significant insights into the use of R. serpentina roots for herbal medicine applications as well as constituents of active ingredients.

Augmenting root biomass productivity and reserpine level in Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz by foliar application of seaweed extracts

Natural biostimulants like seaweed extracts (SWE) have significantly increased crop productivity. However, studies exploring the effect of SWE on medicinal plant productivity are scant. The present study aimed to enhance the root biomass and reserpine content in Rauvolfia serpentina by foliar application of SWE. Using a randomized block design, a field experiment with R. serpentina was established, and seven treatments of SWE (3–21 %) were applied through a foliar spray. Data on growth, above-ground biomass, and root biomass of mature harvested plants were recorded, while dried roots were analyzed for physicochemical, total alkaloid, and reserpine content. Among the treatments, the application of SWE at 6 % demonstrated notably higher CD (13.20 cm) and plant spread (18.80 cm²) compared to other treatments, being comparable to SWE at 3 % (CD: 12.67 cm, plant spread: 18.42 cm²). Similarly, lower SWE doses significantly improved fresh-weight root biomass by 18.16–39.17 % and dry-weight root biomass by 16.53–58.23 % compared to the control. Physicochemical and alkaloid content in the root was increased by lower SWE doses and found safe for drug application as per quality standards. SWE @3 % increased the reserpine content significantly by 111.11–137.77 % over control, which is a good finding for commercial drug production. Therefore, the present study recommends the foliar application of low doses of SWE (3–6 %) for organic cultivation of economically important R serpentine for better root biomass and reserpine production, which would be safer in use and support export trade in the root.

A Study on the Ex-Situ Conservation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants in Dr. Sushila Tiwari Herbal Garden, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

A study was conducted at the Dr. Sushila Tiwari herbal garden in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, with the aim of scientific documentation and data collection of medicinal plants. The study found there are approximately 126 species present in the herbal garden, trees being the most abundant species followed by shrubs, herbs, climbers and grasses. The major families found in the herbal garden are Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae etc. Critically endangered species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum, Endangered species such as Oroxylum indicum, Ginkgo biloba, Cammiphora wightii, Rauvolfia serpentina, and Strychnos lucida. Near threatened species such as Aegle mermelos, were also found in the garden. Herbal gardens are crucial for conserving rare and endangered medicinal plants, while also promoting the utility of commonly available and frequently used medicinal plants among people, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

Clinical evaluation of capsule BP Norm in the management of essential hypertension: A preliminary open-label parallel group study

Abstract Background: Since hypertension is so common and a major risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses and other complications, it is both a significant public health issue and an important topic of research. Hence, a clinical trial was planned. Aims: To evaluate the role of herbal preparation capsule BP Norm containing dry extract of Bhringraja (Eclipta alba (L) Hassk.), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina [L.] Benth. Ex Kurzc) in newly diagnosed cases and in combination with allopathic antihypertensive drugs in the uncontrolled cases of essential hypertension. Materials and methods: A total of 103 patients meeting the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure criteria of essential hypertension (EHT) of age group 20–65 years of either sex participated in the study. Newly diagnosed cases who were not taking any antihypertensives were administered capsule BP Norm (250 mg), two capsules twice daily for 1 month, whereas uncontrolled cases of essential hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] &gt;140 mmHg and &lt;200 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] &gt;90 mmHg and &lt;120 mmHg) were administered 1 capsule of BP Norm (250 mg) twice daily with water in addition to continuing allopathic antihypertensive drugs for 1 month. The assessment was made through various variables such as SBP, DBP, chief complaints, associated complaints, Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HARS), Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD), lipid profile, and serum creatinine. Results: Capsule BP Norm produced highly significant reduction in both the SBP (16.82%, P &lt; 0.001) and DBP (13.71%, P &lt; 0.001) of newly diagnosed patients as well as in the SBP (18.49%, P &lt; 0.001) and DBP (13.95%, P &lt; 0.001) of uncontrolled cases (EHT). Capsule BP Norm provided significant relief in clinical features of EHT, HARS, and HRSD in both groups. Conclusion: Capsule BP Norm has promising antihypertensive effects in newly diagnosed cases as well as synergistic effects when combined with allopathic antihypertensive drugs in uncontrolled cases of essential hypertension.

Proxy-approach in understanding the bisubstrate activity of strictosidine synthases

Besides tryptamine (1) and secologanin (2), non-cognate substrates also undergo a Pictet-Spengler reaction (PSR) catalyzed by strictosidine synthases (STR) with differing catalytic properties. We characterized the bisubstrate binding aspect of catalysis – order, affinity, and cooperativity – with STR orthologs from Rauvolfia serpentina (RsSTR) and Ophiorrhiza pumila (OpSTR) by an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) based ‘proxy approach’ that employed a non-reactive tryptamine analog (m1) to capture its inert ternary complexes with STRs and (2). ITC studies with OpSTR and (2) revealed ‘tryptamine-first’ cooperative binding with (1) and a simultaneous cooperative binding with (m1). Binding cooperativity among (m1) and (2) towards OpSTR was higher than RsSTR. Crystallographic study of RsSTR-(m1) complex helped to understand the unreactive binding of (m1) in terms of orientation and interactions in the RsSTR pocket. PSR with (m1) was revealed to be energetically unfeasible by the density functional theory (DFT) scans of the first hydrogen abstraction by RsSTR. The effect of pH on the bisubstrate binding to OpSTR was deciphered by molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), which also provided a molecular basis for the stability of complex of OpSTR with (m1) and (2). Therefore, we investigated STRs from a substrate binding perspective to inform drug-design and rational enzyme engineering efforts.

De novo biosynthesis of antiarrhythmic alkaloid ajmaline

The antiarrhythmic drug ajmaline is a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) isolated from the Ayurvedic plant Rauvolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot). Research into the biosynthesis of ajmaline and another renowned MIA chemotherapeutic drug vinblastine has yielded pivotal advancements in the fields of plant specialized metabolism and engineering over recent decades. While the majority of vinblastine biosynthesis has been recently elucidated, the quest for comprehending ajmaline biosynthesis remains incomplete, marked by the absence of two critical enzymes. Here, we show the discovery and characterization of these two elusive reductases, alongside the identification of two physiologically relevant esterases that complete the biosynthesis of ajmaline. We show that ajmaline biosynthesis proceeds with vomilenine 1,2(R)-reduction followed by its 19,20(S)-reduction. This process is further modulated by two root-expressing esterases that deacetylate 17-O-acetylnorajmaline. Expanding upon the successful completion of the ajmaline biosynthetic pathway, we engineer the de novo biosynthesis of ajmaline in Baker’s yeast.

A Clinical Study to Ascertain the Efficacy of Various Potencies of “Rauwolfia Serpentina” in Anxiety Related Hypertension in Middle Age Group Adults

In India, hypertension is an evolving issue. The prevalence pattern increased with age group. Hypertension is caused by a variety of variables, including psychological ones like stress and anxiety. All age groups are experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety, but middle-aged persons (20–45) are particularly affected since they have multiple competing responsibilities, such as being a working adult, a husband, parents, and adult children. Homoeopathy offers a safe and cost-effective treatment for such health issues. A one-year project was taken up to study the effectiveness of Rauwolfia Serpentina in different potencies in improving anxiety related hypertension. Statistical result showed a two-tailed P value of less than 0.0001indicating that intervention has a significant role. Keywords: Anxiety, Hypertension, Rauwolfia Serpentina, Homoeopathy

Molecular Docking studies of chemical constituents of Rauwolfia serpentina on hypertension

Hypertension is still a prevalent cardiovascular disorder which remains a major global health concern. Rauwolfia serpentina, renowned for its therapeutic potential in managing hypertension, harbors a diverse array of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular interactions of chemical constituents derived from Rauwolfia serpentina with key hypertensive targets through molecular docking simulations. Utilizing computational tool, a comprehensive library of phytoconstituents obtained from Rauwolfia serpentina was constructed and subjected to molecular docking analyses against human angiotensin receptor (4ZUD) as target protein. The results revealed significant binding affinities between the chemical constituents of Rauwolfia serpentina and the active sites of these molecular targets. This study bridges the knowledge gap regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive effects of Rauwolfia serpentina's constituents through computational simulations. The identified compounds exhibiting strong binding affinities and favorable interactions serve as promising candidates for further in vitro and in vivo studies, offering avenues for the development of novel therapeutic agents for hypertension management.

In vitro shoot response of Rauvolfia serpentina to the type and concentration of cytokinin

In vitro shoot response of <i>Rauvolfia serpentina</i> to the type and concentration of cytokinin

Role of Evidence based Management of Ayurveda Medicines in Insomnia: A Critical Review

Abstract A person with insomnia has trouble falling asleep or gets insufficient, poor-quality sleep. They might experience frequent nighttime awakenings with difficulty going back asleep and early morning wakefulness. It is common in older adults, females, students, and people with medical illness. The aim is to analyze and review the published clinical studies conducted on insomnia to assess the effectiveness of Ayurvedic remedies for the management of insomnia. For this review, the literature has been searched using databases such as Medline, PubMed, NLM, Ayush Research Portal, and many others. All randomized controlled trials involving individuals with insomnia, utilizing Ayurvedic herbs either alone or in combination and Panchakarma procedures (processes of detoxifying and purifying the body) with an exposure period of ≥7 days, and with the primary outcome being the improvement in sleep quality, were included. This review includes 16 clinical trials, among them Mansyadi Kwath (decoction made up of Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Linn.) and Parsik Yvani (Hyoscyamus niger Linn.), Aswagandha (W. somnifera Linn.), Jatamansi (N. jatamansi DC), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii DC.), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.), Gud Pippali Churna (powder of jaggery and root of Piper longum Linn.), Jatipatri Ksheerpaka (milk decoction of Myristica fragrans Houtt.), Insomrid tablet (tablet made up of 5 drugs named Jatamamsi, Ashwagandha, Parsik Yvani (H. niger Linn.), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii DC.), and Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina Benth.) and Shirodhara (~slowly and steadily dripping medicated liquids on the forehead) are found effective in the treatments of insomnia according to these studies. This research serves as secondary data for further studies and the medication are described here have the ability to manage insomnia with very minimal or no side effects. These drugs are also cost-effective and nonaddictive.

Modulation of terpenoid indole alkaloid pathway via elicitation with phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles for the enhancement of ajmalicine, a pharmaceutically important alkaloid.

The use of silver nanoparticles as elicitors in cell cultures of Rauwolfia serpentina resulted in increased levels of ajmalicine, upregulated structural and regulatory genes, elevated MDA content, and reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes. These findings hold potential for developing a cost-effective method for commercial ajmalicine production. Plants possess an intrinsic ability to detect various stress signals, prompting the activation of defense mechanisms through the reprogramming of metabolites to counter adverse conditions. The current study aims to propose an optimized bioprocess for enhancing the content of ajmalicine in Rauwolfia serpentina callus through elicitation with phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles. Initially, callus lines exhibiting elevated ajmalicine content were established. Following this, a protocol for the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using seed extract from Rauwolfia serpentina was successfully standardized. The physicochemical attributes of the silver nanoparticles were identified, including their spherical shape, size ranging from 6.7 to 28.8nm in diameter, and the presence of reducing-capping groups such as amino, carbonyl, and amide. Further, the findings indicated that the presence of 2.5mg L-1 phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles in the culture medium increased the ajmalicine content. Concurrently, structural genes (TDC, SLS, STR, SGD, G10H) and regulatory gene (ORCA3) associated with the ajmalicine biosynthetic pathway were observed to be upregulated. A notable increase in MDA content and a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed. A notable increase in MDA content and a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were also observed. Our results strongly recommend the augmentation of ajmalicine content in the callus culture of R. serpentina through supplementation with silver nanoparticles, a potential avenue for developing a cost-effective process for the commercial production of ajmalicine.

Documentation of flowering plants and ethnobotany in Jhilmil Lake area, Kanchanpur, Sudurpaschim Province

Documentation of indigenous knowledge about plants plays a key role for conservation and utilization of plant resources. The present paper documents the diversity of plants and their traditional use in and around the Jhilmil Lake Area, one of the forest-dominated peri-urban areas of Kanchanpur district lying in Sudurpaschim Province. Vegetation sampling and ethnobotanical surveys were carried out twice between January, 2020 and January, 2021. Semi-structured questionnaire and checklists were used to record the use and distribution of the plant species and their conservation. A total of 126 plant species representing 52 families and 113 genera were reported. Among the total plants recorded, 114 (90.48 %) species were found to be ethnomedicinally used. The results showed that the use of plants as ethnomedicine was culturally motivated and less influenced by availability of the plants. The plant “importance value index” (IVI) was found to be negatively associated with the plant “relative frequency of citation” (RFC; p=0.057–0.790). The high RFC values of the trees and climbers hinted that the plant collection was subjectively oriented towards quality products. The findings suggested that the rare plants with high-use values such as Pterocarpus marsupium, Dalbergia latifolia, Rauvolfia serpentina, Citrus limonum, and Mussaenda frondosa should be prioritised for future conservation. It illustrates that lakes in forested areas are essential resources for plant diversity and local life because they include a variety of rare and useful local plant species

Comprehensive study of hormone-independent highly productive strain of Rauvolfia serpentina tissue culture as a source of indole alkaloids

Comprehensive study of hormone-independent highly productive strain of Rauvolfia serpentina tissue culture as a source of indole alkaloids

Application of the direct encapsulation method in the technology of medicine with dry rauwolphia extract (Rauvolfia serpentina Benth.)

The aim: development of the composition and technology of a medicinal drug in the form of capsules with a dry extract of Rauwolfia for the treatment of hypertension.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Experimental samples of masses for encapsulation contained 2.0 mg of dry Rauwolfia extract and various excipients used in the technology of solid dosage forms. The study of pharmaco-technological characteristics was carried out on the devices of the company "Pharma Test" (Germany). The time of decay was determined on the device of the company "Erweka" (Germany). A comparative analysis of the cost calculation of the production of tablets and capsules with dry rauwolfia extract was carried out by the "cost plus" method.&#x0D; Results. The use of PROSOLV® SMCC HD 90 improved the flowability, homogeneity and homogeneity of the mass with Rauwolfia dry extract powder, considering the low dosage of the substance of 2 mg. It has been experimentally proven that PROSOLV® SMCC HD 90 shortens the disintegration time as a disintegrant, because due to silicate moisture easily penetrates into the MCCC, hydrophilic bridges are formed, wettability increases and mass swelling occurs. The multifunctionality of PROSOLV® SMCC HD 90 three-in-one excipient, which has the properties of a filler, a disintegrant and a glidant, makes it easy to apply direct encapsulation technology, replace and reduce the number of excipients and thus increase production efficiency.&#x0D; Conclusions. When developing the composition of capsules with dry rauwolfia extract, the effect of various excipients on the pharmaco-technological properties of encapsulating masses and ready-made capsules was investigated. The combined excipient, namely PROSOLV® SMCC HD 90, having the properties of a filler, a disintegrant and a lubricant, in direct encapsulation technology is more effective in influencing the fluidity of the mass and disintegration of the capsules. The introduction of the direct encapsulation method will allow to expand the range of new medicines and improve existing technologies, in particular in the form of tablets, which are widely produced in industrial production. it is possible to attach specifically to Rauwolfia

A Randomized Trial of Three Homeopathic Drugs: Rauwolfia serpentina, Viscum album, and Spartium scoparium in Essential Hypertension

AbstractHypertension (HTN) remains one of the major risk factors for heart failure, stroke, and coronary heart disease worldwide. This study was undertaken to compare the antihypertensive effects produced by the mother tinctures (MTs) of three homeopathic drugs—Rauwolfia serpentina (RS), Viscum album (VA), and Spartium scoparium (SS; also known as Cytisus scoparius [CS]) in essential hypertension. This open-label, randomized, three parallel arm, pragmatic, pilot trial was conducted on 60 participants with essential hypertension in the outpatient department of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Participants were randomized into three groups: RS, VA, and SS equally. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at baseline and after 30 and 60 minutes. Group differences at different time points and overall were measured using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and three-way repeated measure ANOVA models, respectively, after adjusting for baseline differences using intention-to-treat approaches. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Endpoint analysis included 60 participants. Although the highest mean reductions in SBP and DBP with time were achieved in the RS group, all three medicines revealed similar antihypertensive effects without any significant differences (SBP: F 2, 57 = 1.710, p = 0.190; DBP: F 2, 57 = 0.732, p = 0.485). No harm or serious adverse events were reported from either of the groups. All three medicines (RS, VA, and SS) produced similar antihypertensive effects in essential hypertension. Trial registration: CTRI/2021/02/031548; UTN: U1111–1264–6856.

EVALUATION AND CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY OF PLANTS USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSE

India is a very rich hub of plant biodiversity, many of those are therapeutically and medicinally useful. The rich resources are disappearing at an alarming state because of over-exploitation. Some of the endangered medicinal plants are Saussaurea lappa, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Swertia chirata, Holostemma annnularis, Rauwolfia serpenti-na. Normally there are two methods of conservation: in situ and ex situ conservation. Many techniques were also followed in ancient times to conserve or cultivate plants. There is a need to conserve the medicinal plants to prevent their total extinction from the natural flora. The expanding trade in medicinal plants has implications for the survival of several plant species. Growing demand for therapeutic products from indigenous medicinal plants, itself has positive effect of increased interest in cultivation, which seems a perfect option for improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods, as well as sustaining the availability of these resources for future generations. Cultivation of medicinal plants provides feasible solutions to pharmaceutical organization, while effectively con-serving threatened indigenous biodiversity. The purpose of this paper is to justify and emphasize the need for the evaluation and cultivation of medicinal plants.