Rauvolfia tetraphylla
Rauvolfia tetraphyllla, commonly known as the four-leaf devil pepper, is a significant medicinal shrub native to tropical regions. Renowned for its potent alkaloid content, particularly reserpine, it has historically been utilized in traditional medicine to manage hypertension, treat insomnia, and alleviate various neurological disorders through its calming properties.
- Scientific name: Rauvolfia tetraphylla
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Gentianales and the family Apocynaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Rauvolfia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Rauvolfia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several key regions in Asia. In China, it can be found throughout the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Its range extends further east to include the island of Taiwan within Eastern Asia. Additionally, the species is present in the Indian Subcontinent, specifically in the Assam region. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's preference for diverse subtropical environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Chemicals
Rauvolfia tetraphylla has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ajmaline, Reserpine, ajmaline, mitoridine, reserpiline.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ajmaline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Reserpine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ajmaline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mitoridine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reserpiline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sarpagine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| serpentine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| yohimbine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Rauvolfia tetraphylla has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include SARS-CoV-2, hypertension.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| SARS-CoV-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |