Rauwolfia
Rauwolfia - other names: Rauvolfia, Rauwolfia serpentina, Indian Snakeroot, Serpentine Wood, Shegen Mu, sarpagandha, Lu fu mu
Rauwolfia is a genus of shrubs and evergreen trees with approximately 85 species most often native to tropical regions. One of the best known of these, Rauvolfia serpentina, also known as Indian Snakeroot, has a history of use in Ayurvedic and other traditional herbal medicinal systems. [1]
Rauwolfia serpentina is one of the "50 fundamental herbs" of Traditional Chinese medicine and has been in use since ancient times in cases of snakebite and as a tranquilizer / sedative. It has also been indicated in cases of hysteria and epilepsy. One of the substances contained in the plant, reserpine, has been used to treat schizophrenia and hypertension but its use has been replaced due to serious side effects.[1] [2] One interesting study noted that the use of the whole root reduced the side effects associated with the use of isolated alkaloids. [3]
Rauwolfia - History
Rauwolfia begins to appear in western literature in around 1800, and the genus finds its way into botanical listings of that era. However, aphrodisiac qualities associated with Rauwolfia plants are not mentioned in the west until the 1950's - at which time the link with Yohimbine begins to be mentioned.
Is Rauwolfia an Aphrodisiac?
It is interesting to note also that Rauwolfia serpentina contains many bioactive substances - including yohimbine, a substance for which many aphrodisiac claims have been made. However, this is not the only substance of interest to the aphrodisiac investigator - Rauwolfia also contains Rauwolscine, a stereoisomer of yohimbine (has the same molecular formula with different arrangement).[4]
Rauwolfia - Summary
Rauwolfia serpentina is in decline in the wild [1] (possibly due to either overharvesting or eradication of its natural habitat; this is often the case with medicinal plants) and is now a listed plant in CITES Appendix II. It is also said that commercial supplies are sometimes adulterated with other Rauwolfia species, or possibly with Clerodendrum. [5]
I have also seen whole lists of contraindications, including but not limited to ulcerative colitis and other gastric conditions, history of depression, bronchial asthma and renal impairment. [1] [5] There are also several potential interactions with other medicines. [6] [7]
For these reasons, combined with the possibility of serious side effects, it would appear that although Rauwolfia serpentina contains substances for which aphrodisiac qualities have been claimed, there may be better choices out there. Please note - this is not medical advice.
Rauwolfia serpentina is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce", p124. [8]
Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rauvolfia
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rauwolfia_serpentina
[3] http://oneearthherbs.squarespace.com/important-herbs/rauwolfia-root-rauwolfia-serpentina.html
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rauwolscine
[5] http://www.herbalcureindia.com/herbs/rauwolfia-serpentine.htm
[6] http://home.caregroup.org/clinical/altmed/interactions/Herbs/Rauwolfia_serpe.htm
[7] http://www.drugs.com/cons/rauwolfia-alkaloid.html
[8] "Herbs of Commerce" (AHPA) (2000 edition) - Michael McGuffin, John T. Kartesz, Albert Y Leung, Arthur O. Tucker p.124.
Note - the information on this website is not medical advice, is not a substitute for medical consultation, has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease. Please seek advice from a medical professional if you have symptoms, are concerned about your health, or before using supplements or aphrodisiac products.
* * * * * * *
