An In-depth review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological significance of Rauwolfia serpentina

Nitish Kumar Raghav; N. Ramasamy; Soujanya Mukherjee; Anil Kumar; Anilkumar Shinde; Munesh Mani; Sanmati Kumar Jain; Rajnandan Borah; Ekta Pandey

doi:10.69980/redvet.v25i2.1501

Nitish Kumar Raghav
N. Ramasamy
Soujanya Mukherjee
Anil Kumar
Anilkumar Shinde
Munesh Mani
Sanmati Kumar Jain
Rajnandan Borah
Ekta Pandey

DOI: https://doi.org/10.69980/redvet.v25i2.1501

Keywords: Rauwolfia serpentina, phytochemistry, reserpine, alkaloids, pharmacology, toxicity, clinical applications, herbal medicine, drug delivery systems.

Abstract

Background: Rauwolfia serpentina, a medicinal plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine, is renowned for its therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of hypertension, anxiety, and various psychiatric disorders. The plant is primarily known for its alkaloid content, including reserpine, ajmaline, and serpentine, which have demonstrated diverse pharmacological activities. Despite its therapeutic potential, the use of R. serpentina in modern medicine is hindered by challenges related to toxicity, inconsistent therapeutic outcomes, and regulatory barriers.

Objective: This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the phytochemistry, pharmacological significance, toxicological aspects, clinical applications, and future perspectives of Rauwolfia serpentina. It also explores the current challenges in its use and highlights potential research directions for enhancing its clinical utility.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to gather studies related to the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Rauwolfia serpentina. Key studies were reviewed to evaluate its bioactive compounds, particularly the alkaloids, and to assess their pharmacological and toxicological profiles. Analytical techniques for phytochemical profiling and advancements in drug delivery systems were also discussed.

Results: The primary bioactive constituents of Rauwolfia serpentina are alkaloids, including reserpine, ajmaline, and serpentine, which possess significant pharmacological activities such as antihypertensive, antipsychotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent advances in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR have enhanced the understanding of its complex phytochemical composition. However, the clinical application of R. serpentina is constrained by the toxicity of reserpine, including side effects like depression and bradycardia. Research has also highlighted the challenges of standardization, variability in alkaloid content, and regulatory limitations.

Conclusions: Rauwolfia serpentina holds substantial promise for addressing conditions like hypertension, anxiety, and psychiatric disorders. However, its clinical utility is limited by toxicity, lack of standardization, and regulatory challenges. Future research should focus on isolating less toxic bioactive compounds, improving drug delivery systems, and conducting well-designed clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy in modern medicine. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements could significantly enhance the therapeutic potential of R. serpentina.

Author Biographies

Nitish Kumar Raghav

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India

N. Ramasamy

Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, S.A.Raja Pharmacy College, Vadakkankulam, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India

Soujanya Mukherjee

Assistant Professor , Department of Pharmaceutics, Seacom Pharmacy College, Jaladhulagori, Andul-Mouri, Sankrail, Howrah, West Bengal, India

Anil Kumar

Head & Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry (PG), Sahibganj College Sahibganj, Jharkhand, India

Anilkumar Shinde

Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Munesh Mani

Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, IFTM University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Sanmati Kumar Jain

Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Koni, Bilaspur, India

Rajnandan Borah

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Himalayan University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Ekta Pandey

Associate Professor, Department of Applied Science and Humanities, Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India

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