Rauwolfia vs Rauvolfia vomitoria

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Rauwolfia

Rauwolfia serpentina

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular

Rauwolfia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Rauvolfia vomitoria

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Ayurvedic herb source of reserpine for hypertension (historical).

West African Rauwolfia; bark and root used for hypertension, mental conditions, and fever in traditional medicine.

Active Compounds

Reserpine, Ajmaline, Ajmalicine, Serpentine

reserpine, ajmaline, alkaloids, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Hypertension, Insanity, Snake bite, Fever

hypertension, mental illness, fever, snake bite

Modern Uses

Antihypertensive (historical), Antiarrhythmic, Sedative

antihypertensive, antipsychotic (historical), sedative

Adult Dosage

MEDICAL SUPERVISION ONLY: 50-100mg root daily

Under physician supervision only

Contraindications

Depression, Peptic ulcers, Pregnancy, MAO inhibitors, Parkinsonism

pregnancy, depression, Parkinson's disease, cardiac conditions

Side Effects

Depression, Nasal congestion, GI upset, Sedation, Parkinsonism

depression, nasal stuffiness, GI disturbances

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E