Rauvolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot

Common nameBlack snakeroot / Indian snakeroot

Botanical name and familyBotanical name- Rauwolfia serpentina

Family- Apocynaceae

Sarpagandha Plant

Sarpagandha, an evergreen plant, has been in use since 4000 years in Indian medicine. An erect under-shrub, it is a species of flowering plants. The leaves are 7-10cm long, spear-shaped. The flowers are 1 inch long, white and violet. It contains nectar at the deep of the corolla tube. The blooming time is in the month of August and September. The root is branched and tuberous. It is used as a useful herb in the Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy treatments.

Sarpagandha Flowers

Medicinal use of SarpagandhaSarpagandha is composed of many chemical compounds like Reserpine, Serpentine and Ajmalacin.

•It is used for the treatment of high blood sugar. Hence called as universal medicine for lowering blood pressure.•It cures insomnia, hysteria and hypertension.•It is also useful for in the treatment of cataract.•It also cures plague and fever.•Sarpagandha is used for the treatment of Schizophrenia.•It is used in different countries as a sedative and tranquilizer.

•Sarpagandha has also been in use in the treatment of intractable skin disorder such as psoriasis, excessive sweating and itching.•It is also used against irregular heart action in old ages.•Sarpagandha also cures toxic goitre.•It is also useful some gynaecological problems like frigidity and moliminia.

•It also balances Vata and pitta in the body•Sarpagandha is also used for rheumatism, edema and intestinal diseases.•It is also used against constipation and dizziness.

Sarpagandha fruit

•Sarpagandha does not have any quotation of curing cancer or liver diseases.• Rather it has dangerous side effects and increases cancer cells. •So, it must be taken under strict medical supervision.• It is also good to avoid the use of Sarpagandha.