Rauwolfia Root vs Jue Ming Zi

Indian Ayurvedic herb used for centuries for snake bite, hypertension, and mental disorders. The source of reserpine — first modern antihypertensive drug. Depletes catecholamines.

Seeds used in TCM to clear liver heat, improve vision, moisten the intestines, and treat hypertension and constipation.

reserpine, ajmaline, serpentine, ajmalicine

chrysophanol, emodin, obtusin, chrysoobtusin, naphthopyrone glycosides

Treat snake bite in Ayurveda, Hypertension treatment, Mental disorders and insanity, Ayurvedic sedative

liver heat, red eyes, hypertension, constipation, headache

Antihypertensive, Antipsychotic (historical), Sedative, Antiarrhythmic

antihypertensive, laxative, cholesterol reduction, eye health

Pharmaceutical preparations only; 50-300mg reserpine equivalent

9–15g dry-fried seeds as tea

Depression, MAO inhibitors, Pregnancy, Ulcers

pregnancy, diarrhea, hypotension

Severe depression, Nasal congestion, Parkinson-like symptoms, Impotence

loose stools, diarrhea with high doses, hypotension