Rauvolfia vomitoria
Rauvolfia vomitoria, commonly known as poison firework, is a potent medicinal shrub native to tropical Africa and Asia. Renowned for its high concentration of reserpine, it has historically been used to treat hypertension and psychotic disorders. This powerful botanical remains a cornerstone in pharmacology for managing neurological and cardiovascular health.
- Scientific name: Rauvolfia vomitoria
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the 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 is primarily distributed across the region of West Tropical Africa. Within this specific zone, its presence is documented in the nation of Benin. It is also found inhabiting the landscapes of Burkina. Furthermore, the species can be located throughout Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its geographical range extends into the country of Guinea.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
Chemicals
Rauvolfia vomitoria has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, ajmalicine, ajmaline, alpha-Amyrin palmitate, anthocyanins.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ajmalicine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ajmaline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alpha-Amyrin palmitate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reserpine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| serpentine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| yohimbine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Rauvolfia vomitoria has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiarthritic, Anticonvulsant, Antidiabetic, Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiarthritic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Rauvolfia vomitoria has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetes mellitus, malaria, psychosis, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| psychosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatoid arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |