Phytochemical, pharmacological and therapeutic aspects of Rauwolfia serpentina L. Benth. ex-Kurz

Various parts of this plant, especially the root and rhizome, have been used since ancient times in the treatment of many diseases such as hypertension, mental disorders, epilepsy, stroke, anxiety, insomnia, schizophrenia and insanity. More than 50 alkaloids are found in this plant, which mainly fall in the monoterpenoid indole alkaloid class. These major alkaloids include compounds such as reserpine, serpentine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, deserpidine, resinamine and yohimbine, which are considered extremely active and useful from the medicinal point of view. Additionally, the plant contains bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, phenols, saponins, and sterols, which make it have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiuretic, and anticholinergic properties. According to the World Health Organization, even today about 75–80% of the world's population depends on herbal medicines for primary health care. This is mainly due to the cultural acceptability of these medicines, natural availability, biocompatibility with the human body, and fewer side effects.