Alseroxylon
A plant extract used in medicine
Alseroxylon is a complex extract derived from the plant Rauvolfia serpentina, commonly known as Indian snakeroot. This extract is notable for its use in traditional and modern medicine, primarily for its antihypertensive and antipsychotic properties.
Composition[edit | edit source]
Alseroxylon is composed of several alkaloids, with the most prominent being reserpine. Other alkaloids present include ajmaline, ajmalicine, and serpentine. These compounds contribute to the pharmacological effects of the extract.
Pharmacological Effects[edit | edit source]
The primary action of Alseroxylon is its ability to lower blood pressure. This is achieved through the depletion of catecholamines and serotonin from central and peripheral neurons. Reserpine, the main active component, irreversibly binds to storage vesicles in adrenergic neurons, leading to a decrease in the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine.
In addition to its antihypertensive effects, Alseroxylon has been used as an antipsychotic agent. It was historically used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders due to its sedative properties.
Medical Uses[edit | edit source]
Alseroxylon has been used in the treatment of:
- Hypertension: By reducing peripheral vascular resistance, it helps in lowering blood pressure.
- Psychiatric disorders: It has been used to manage symptoms of psychosis and anxiety.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
The use of Alseroxylon can lead to several side effects, primarily due to its action on the central nervous system. Common side effects include:
Historical Context[edit | edit source]
The use of Rauvolfia serpentina in traditional medicine dates back centuries, particularly in Ayurveda, where it was used to treat snake bites, fever, and mental illness. The isolation of reserpine in the mid-20th century marked a significant advancement in the treatment of hypertension and psychiatric disorders.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
