Question

Rauwolfia serpentina is used in

• A. Curing high blood pressure
• B. Kidney failure
• C. Eye defect
• D. Diabetes

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Curing high blood pressure

Rauwolfia serpentina, also called Indian snakeroot or sarpagandha, contains alkaloids that are used to treat high blood pressure. Rauwolfia alkaloids work by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. They act on the heart and blood vessels and thus lower high blood pressure.

Oral dosage for adults is 50-100 mg of Rauwolfia tablets per day. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid using rauwolfia to control their blood pressure.