Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part B (2022)

Ayurvedic literature and contemporary science both describe the medicinal herb sarpagandha, Rauwolfia serpentina. The presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phlobatannins, phenols, resins, saponins, sterols, tannins, and terpenes in the plant is recognised for its ability to treat a variety of illnesses. With particular emphasis on the plant's role in treating high blood pressure and hypertension, this review focuses on the use of Rauwolfia as a treatment for many diseases, as well as its botany, chemistry, and mode of action. We also critically examine its unfavourable side effects, toxicology, and carcinogenicity. The objective of the current review is to assess the numerous pharmacological, phytochemical, and therapeutic qualities of R. serpentine as a result of all these characteristics. When negative side effects including cancer and depression were linked to it, its popularity declined. Let used to be deemed the greatest treatment for hypertension. Its root contains an alkaloid whose pharmacological activity is thought to be anti-hypertensive.