Abstract

RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA IN HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT: FORMULATION STRATEGIES, EXTRACTION APPROACHES, AND MECHANISMS UNDERLYING ITS EFFICACY

Evander James Kamupini* and Priyanka Keshri

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Abstract

Rauwolfia serpentina, a traditional medicinal plant, has been extensively studied for its potential in managing hypertension. Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) is an evergreen shrub found in Southeast Asia. The root is used as medicine. It's considered an endangered species. This article reviews various formulation strategies, extraction approaches, and mechanisms underlying the efficacy of Rauwolfia serpentina in hypertension management. Different formulations, including tablets, capsules, extracts, and tinctures, have been developed to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of its active compounds. Various extraction techniques such as maceration, percolation, and supercritical fluid extraction have been employed to obtain bioactive components from the plant. The mechanisms underlying its antihypertensive effects involve the inhibition of sympathetic activity, vasodilation, and modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Roots of the Rauwolfia serpentina plant produce the alkaloid known as reserpine, which acts as an adrenergic uptake inhibitor and a hypertension treatment. Moreover, Rauwolfia serpentina constituents like reserpine and ajmaline have been extensively studied for their pharmacological actions. Despite its effectiveness, caution must be exercised due to potential side effects and drug interactions associated with its use. Future research should focus on developing standardized formulations with improved safety profiles and exploring novel delivery systems to optimize its therapeutic potential.

Keywords: Rauwolfia serpentina, Hypertension, Reserpine, Extraction, Wet Granulation, VMAT (Vesicular monoamine transporters).