Rauvolfia
Rauvolfia, commonly known as Indian Snakeroot, is a significant medicinal shrub renowned for its potent alkaloids. Most famous for containing reserpine, it has been traditionally used to treat hypertension and mental disorders. This versatile plant remains a cornerstone in pharmacological research for developing essential cardiovascular and sedative medications.
- Scientific name: Rauvolfia
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, falling under the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, it is identified 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 exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the West Tropical Africa region. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Benin. Furthermore, its presence extends into the territories of Burkina and Ghana. The species is also documented across the coastal and inland areas of Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its range includes the country of Guinea, completing its regional footprint.
| 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 has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ajmalicine, ajmaline, arbutin, hydroquinone, reserpine.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ajmalicine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ajmaline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arbutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hydroquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| reserpine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| serpentine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| yohimbine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Rauvolfia has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal, Antipsychotic, Cardioprotective.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiprotozoal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipsychotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |