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devil peppers

Rauvolfia · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (13 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Devil peppers, scientifically known as Rauvolfia, is a versatile genus of medicinal plants renowned for their potent pharmacological properties. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, these shrubs are most famous for containing reserpine, a crucial alkaloid used to treat hypertension and psychiatric disorders, highlighting their significant role in modern pharmacology.

Family
Apocynaceae
Native range
Africa
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Devil Peppers · Devil'S-Pepper
Scientific synonyms
Podochrosia · Ophioxylon · 3 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Rauvolfia

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Cyrtosiphonia
  • Podochrosia
  • Rauwolfia

German:

  • Schlangenwurz

French:

  • Rauwolfia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Gentianales
Family Apocynaceae
Genus Rauvolfia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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
West Tropical Africa Benin
West Tropical Africa Burkina
West Tropical Africa Ghana
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau
West Tropical Africa Guinea
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast
West Tropical Africa Liberia
West Tropical Africa Mali
West Tropical Africa Nigeria
West Tropical Africa Senegal

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Rauvolfia has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ajmalicine, Serpentine, Yohimbine, ajmaline, arbutin.

Chemicals reported in Rauvolfia
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Ajmalicine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Serpentine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Yohimbine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
ajmaline 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
arbutin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
hydroquinone 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
reserpine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Ajmalicine

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Serpentine

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Yohimbine

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

ajmaline

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

arbutin

  1. Phytochemistry

hydroquinone

  1. Phytochemistry

reserpine

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Rauvolfia has 6 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal, Antipsychotic, Cardioprotective.

Activities reported in Rauvolfia
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antimicrobial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antiprotozoal 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antipsychotic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Cardioprotective 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antimicrobial

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiprotozoal

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antipsychotic

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cardioprotective

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hepatoprotective

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology