Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia) Ayurveda

DigiNepal SI द्वारा SmartAnswer

evidence_summary: Its alkaloid reserpine does lower blood pressure, but the herb's strength varies and it is no longer a first-line treatment. DigiNepal SI द्वारा उद्धृत स्रोतहरूबाट तयार · सामान्य जानकारी, निदान होइन · स्वास्थ्यकर्मीसँग सल्लाह लिनुहोस्

स्रोत: SI summary (own words); NCCIH Herbs at a Glance; FDA and CDC advisories; NLM MedlinePlus (NLM-authored only) · Reference · Reference · Reference · Reference

What it is

Root of Rauvolfia serpentina, the original source of the medicine reserpine.

Traditional use (claimed)

High blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia.

Evidence

Its alkaloid reserpine does lower blood pressure, but the herb's strength varies and it is no longer a first-line treatment.

Safety

Can cause depression (including suicidal thoughts), low blood pressure, slow heart rate, stomach ulcers and nasal congestion.

Quality concerns

Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.

Interactions

Blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, anaesthesia.

Avoid if

depression history, pregnancy, stomach ulcers, before surgery; never replace prescribed blood pressure treatment

Regulation in Nepal

Herbal products in Nepal are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Nepal: the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA, Ministry of Health and Population) runs government Ayurveda hospitals and clinics; practitioners register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. Ask to see the council registration.

Regulation in India

India: the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy; practitioners register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).

Regulation in UAE

UAE: complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority (DHA in Dubai, DoH in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP elsewhere). Check the licence on the authority's public register.

सम्बन्धित अवस्था

⚠️ Informational only; not a treatment recommendation.

entry_health_condition_hypertension entry_health_condition_depression