COMPILATION WORK

ON

SARPAGAŅDHĀ

SUBMITTED BY
NAME : RINSIYA.P.E

ROLL NUMBER :

MANNAM AYURVEDA CO-OPERATIVE MEDICAL

COLLEGE
PANDALAM, PATHANAMTHITTA
 MANNAM AYURVEDA CO-OPERATIVE
MEDICAL COLLEGE
PANDALAM, PATHANAMTHITTA

CERTIFICATE

Certified that this is the bona fide compilation

work on Sarpagaņdhā done in Dravyaguna
Vijnana during the year 2008-09 by the candidate
Rinsiya .P.E Register Number

In charge H.O.D Int. Examiner Ext. Examiner

DATE:
SARPAGAŅDHĀ
(അമÂപ്പൊരി)
 INDEX
PART 1
INTRODUCTION
1. DRAVYA GUNA : 5

2. INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA : 6
3. SARPAGAŅDHĀ INTRODUCTION : 9

PART 2
PHARMACOGNOSY

4. BOTANICAL NAME : 13
5. FAMILY : 13
6. VERNACULAR NAMES : 13
7. SYNONYMS : 13
8. MEANING OF TERMS : 14
9. DIFFERENT VARIETIES : 15
10. DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT : 16
11. HABIT AND GENERAL FEATURES : 17
12. MORPHOLOGY : 19
13. EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY : 20
a. BARK : 20
b. LEAVES : 21
c. FLOWERS
 d. FRUITS :
e. COROLLA :
f. CALYX :
g. SEGMENTS :
h. TUBE :
i. LOBES :
j. DISK :
k. DRUPES :
l. INFLORESCENCE :
m. BRACTS :
n. PEDICELS :
o. PEDUNCLES :
p. PETIOLES :
q. SEEDS :

14. MACROSCOPICAL DESCRIPTIONS : 23

15. MICROSCOPICAL DESCRIPTIONS : 24
16. HISTOLOGY : 25
17. PARTS USED : 27

PART 3
PHARMACOLOGY
18. PROPERTIES : 29
19. ACTION & USES : 29
20. SPECIFIC FORMULATIONS & PREPARATIONS : 31
21. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS : 32
22. DOSAGE : 34
23. THERAPEUTIC USES : 35
24. INDICATIONS : 37
25. PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES : 38
26. IDENTITY,PURITY & STRENGTH : 39
27. T.L.C : 39

PART 4
28. RESEARCH WORKS : 41
29. REFERENCE : 42
30. CONCLUSION : 48
31. BIBLIOGRAPHY : 49
 PART 1
INTRODUCTION
 DRAVYA GUNA
Dravya guna is the basic subject of Ayurveda though not
enumerated in Astānga Ayurveda. That is the eight broad branched
one. Dravya guna may be called the Materia Medica of Ayurveda
which includes pharmacology, pharmaco-therapeutics and
pharmacognosy.The subject was taught in Guru-Sisya parampara,
totally as a practical one and hence it was not discussed as a
separate subject in the pre-historical age. Later many books were
written and the latest classical book is Bhavaprakasa Nigendu of 16 th
century A.D in Sanskrit. Many translation and commentaries of it are
available in Hindi as well as in other Indian languages, some of which
are of very high standard
 INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Folk (tribal) medicines are the major
systems of indigenous medicines. Among these systems, Ayurveda is
the most developed and widely practiced in India. Ayurveda, dating
back to 1500-800 BC has been an integral part of Indian culture. The
term comes from the Sanskrit root AÉrÉ and uÉãS
AÉrÉÑ (life) and uÉãS (knowledge). As the name implies
it is not the science of treatment of the ill but covers the whole
gamut of happy human life involving the physical, metaphysical and
the spiritual aspects. Ayurveda recognizes that beside a balance of
body elements, one has to have an enlightened state of
consciousness, sense organs and mind has to be perfectly healthy.
Ayurveda by and large is an experience with nature and unlike in
western medicine, many of the concepts elude scientific explanation.
Ayurveda is gaining prominence as the natural system of health care
all over the world

Today this system of medicine is being practiced in countries like

Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan while the
traditional system of medicines in other countries like Tibet,Mangolia
and Thailand appear to be derived from Ayurveda. Phytomedicines
are also being used increasingly in Western Europe. Recently the U.S.
government has established the “Office of alternate medicine” at the
national institute of health at Bethesda and its support to alternate
medicine include basic and applied research in traditional systems of
medicines such as Chinese, Ayurveda etc with a view to access the
possible integration of effective treatment with modern medicine.
The Ayurvedic system of Medicine is prevalent in India since the
Vedic period and as early as the dawn of human civilization. Though
Ayurveda has undergone many changes in the course of its long
history it still remains as the mainstay of medical relief to a large
section of the population of nation. Due to urbanization dwindling of
forest, the Vaidya by and large is no longer a self contained unit
collecting and preparing his own medicines as before. He has now to
depend on the newly developed agencies like one collecting and
supplying the crude drugs and the other undertaking mass
production of medicines in the Ayurvedic pharmaceutical units run
on the commercial scale.

India, due to its unique variety of geographical and climatic factors,

has had a rich and variety flora of medicinal plants since the Vedic
period. No wonder that out of a total number of over 15000 plant
species in India about 2000 are known to have medicinal properties
and some of them are even used as home remedies in the rural and
remotest parts of the country.

The vastness of the country with its inadequate means of

communication and facilities for transport of drugs coupled with
diverse regional languages resulted into a multitude of synonyms i.e.,
names in regional languages. Further, Ayurveda being a science put
into professional practice on umpteen occasions to try newer drugs
locally available led to the successful use of several other drugs with
therapeutic value similar to those drugs which are originally equated
with the classical Ayurvedic drugs, but later assumed the name of the
very same classical drug and continued to be locally collected, sold
and used in that name since the main classical drug was famous yet
locally unavailable and substitution was a necessity. Later in the first
half of the century, while scientifically identifying the drugs in vogue
in different regions, the scientist found that there were more than
one species, belonging even to different families of plants, claiming
the same classical name of the Ayurvedic drug.” Brahmi” would be a
great example to be cited. This created a sensation that there existed
a great controversy about the identity of Ayurvedic drugs and that
there were more than one independent drug claiming the classical
name of the drug and one drug therefore having different scientific
identities. This innocent impression of scientists was further
exaggerated during the alien rule to run down the claim of Ayurveda
as a cultural heritage of India out of patriotism. All such drugs with a
multiple claim on the classical name in different provinces were
stamped as controversial drugs without going into their genesis
basically as therapeutic equivalents.

Ayurveda had never been static. Its practitioner had been innovative
and dynamic in the therapeutic practice and carried on clinical trials
out of the local flora and discovered newer medicines with same
therapeutic practice and carried on as the classical drug which might
have been then either locally unavailable or perhaps demanding
heavy prices. These newer drugs have been accepted by the
practicing profession as substitutes. In fact on study of Ayurvedic
literature on comes across several references of permitting the use
of substitute drug when the classical drug is not available. This is
based on the therapeutic equivalence and clinical efficiency.
 SARPAGAŅDHĀ
INTRODUCTION

‘Sarpagandha’ is considered to be a later entry into Indian Materia

Medica. ‘Sarpasugandha’ of Vedic literature is considered to be
‘Sankhapuspi’ but not Rauwolfia. Though Naakuli is described in
Jaimini Brahman, its identity is also doubtful.

Thakurji quoted that ‘Sarpagandha/Sarpasugandha’ is mentioned by

Susruta and Vagbhata only. (Susruta Samhita Kalpasthan 5/84;7/29;
Uttarasthan 60/48;Astanga Hrdayam Chikitsa 14/106; Astanga
Hrdaya Uttarasthan 5/3).

The identity of ‘Sarpagandha’ is controversial from the beginning.

Susruta quoted ‘Sarpagandha’ among Aparajitha gana in the context
of Manasa rogas. Dalhana commented “ uÉwÉÉïxÉÑ NûɧÉÉMüÉUÉ “
In this context which indicates more about a mushroom. Majority of
scholars are of the opinion that Naakuli described in the nighantus is
the real ‘Sarpagandha’

Bapalaji reported that according to Bengali Kavirajas, Rauwolfia

Serpentina is one of the three types of Raasna i.e, Mula Raasna.
However this plant is famous as ‘Sarpagandha’ today. The roots are
considered to be useful in treatment of hypertension and insanity.
Many consider this to be Naakuli on Gandha Naakuli and so it is
supposed to be the Raasna. It is also noticed that Rauwolfia
canescens is used as Sarpagandha in some places.
Caraka described Nakuli Dvaya (Nakuli and Gandha Nakuli)[Charaka
Samhita Chikiltsa Sthan 5/52). Thus Thakunji quotes that the age of
synonyms like sugandha etc, is common to more than one plant
appears to be the reason behind such controversies. Sugandha
appears to be accepted as the synonym of Rasna, Sariva and Gandha
Nakuli.

Nakuli might be denoted with synonyms like Sarpagandha and

Sarpasugandha. Therefore it is suggested that Rauwolfia Serpentina
and Aristolochia indica may be Nakuli and Gandha Nakuli
respectively.

Similarly Mukta which is a synonym of Nakuli or Sarpagandha may be

Rauwolfia which may also be used as a substitute for real Rasna. In
fact Mukta is the only corect name that indicates Rauwolfia
Serpentina due to its pearl-like red berries(Mukta).

Sarpagandha is mainly indicated in the Ayurvedic texts in Vata

rogas,Apasmara and Unmada. Its indication is basically the
contribution of Dr.K.C.Bose and Dr.Sen who have studied the effect
of Sarpagandha on hypertension but did not report or publish it from
London which is needed to get the authentic recognition among the
medical fraternity. Dr.Rustumjal Vakil who published about the
hypertensive property of Rauwolfia serpentine root is now given the
honor of discovery.
 PART 2
PHARMACOGNOSY
BOTANICAL NAME : Rauwolfia serpentina (Linn) Benth Ex
Kurz

(Ophioxylon serpentinum Linn)

FAMILY : Apocynaceae

MORPHOLOGICAL :

1.VERNACULAR NAMES :

Sanskrit : Naakuli,Candrika,Chandramarah

Bengali : Chaandar

English : Rauwolfia root, Serpentina root

Gujrati : Amelpodee

Hindi : Chhota chand, Dhaval barua

Kannada : Sutranabhu, Patalagaruda, Sutranabhi

Malayalam: Amalpori, Cuvanna amalpori

Marathi : Adkai, Chandra

Oriya : Dhanbarua. Sanochado

Tamil : Sarppagandhi, Sivan amalpodi

Telugu : Sarpagandhi, Palalagandhi

2.SYNONYMS
 Chandramarah

Dhavala

Vitapa

Naakuli

Sarpasugandha

Sugandha

Mukta

Nakulesta

Meaning of Terms

Chandramarah : A tree having pearl like red berries

Dhavala : As being possessed with white flowers

Vitapa : As flowers and seeds are found in
clusters

Nakuli : Favorite of mongoose

Sarpagandha : Which emits the smell of snakes

Sarpasugandha : Which emits the odor of snakes

Sugandha : Possessed with smell

Mukta : Having pearl like red berries

Nakulesta : Favorite of mongoose

DIFFERENT VARIETIES
At present another species of Rauwolfia i.e ,Rauwolfia tetraphylla is
being widely supplied as Sarpagandha.

About seven species of Rauwolfia are uninvestigated. Eight other

species are mentioned. They are
1. Rauwolfia canescens
2. Rauwolfia micrantha
3. Rauwolfia densiflora
4. Rauwolfia perakensis
5. Rauwolfia vomitoria Afz
6. Rauwolfia caffra Sond
7. Rauwolfia natalensis Sond
8. Rauwolfia nitide Jacq
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Rauwolfia is found throughout India, as forest undergrowth. It grows
in waste places and shady forests in India. It is now considered as an
endangered species in many parts of India
HABITAT AND GENERAL FEATURES
Sarpagandha is a perennial under shrub widely distributed in India in
the Sub-Himalayan tracts upto 1000m as well as in the lower ranges
of the eastern and Western Ghats and in the Andamans.

It is found usually in moist deciduous forests at altitudes ranging

from sea- level to 1200m. It is seldom found in evergreen forests
except at their very edges and is absent in open country. The plants
are more frequent at the shade of Shorea, Ficus, Terminalia,
Holarrhena, Cassia, Dalbergia, Mangifera and Adina sps. Sometimes
they are found growing between clumps of Calamus. In the Deccan
they are found associated predominantly with bamboo forests,
particularly in freshly deforested areas.

Although the range of distribution of Rauwolfia is very wide its

occurrence is sporadic. The plants usually grow scattered, very
seldom close to each other. It is noteworthy that wherever plants of
Rauwolfia serpentine have been found, they are growing in close
proximity to the beaten tracts or to sites of habitation whether
ancient or recently abandoned.

An erect evergreen perennating undershrub,15-45 cm (rarely 90 cm)

high glabrous or rarely pubescent. Leaves 3 to 4 natally whorled,
rarely opposite, the main nerves slender and usually arched, flowers
in coreymbose umbellate cymes, peduncles alternate with terminal
leaves or axillary, calyx 5 lobed, corolla tube cylindrical, dialated
opposite the stamens, the mouth constricted, the throat usually 5,
overlapping to the left, stamens 5, included on the corolla tube,
filaments very short, anther small, acute ,the cells rounded at the
base ,Disk cup shaped or annular, ovary of 2 distinct or connate
carpels, ovules 2 in each carpel, collateral style, filiform, stigma
calyptriform at the base, the tip bifid. Fruit of 2 connate or distinct
drupes, each with a crustaceous 1 seeded pyrene, seeds ovoid, testa
thin, albumen, fleshy, cotyledons flat radicle superior.
MORPHOLOGY
A small erect shrub or undershrub with red pedicles and calyx,
leaves three in a whorl, thin, gelatinous, bright green above, flowers
white often tinged with violet in irregular corymbose cymes, fruits
drupes, purplish black when ripe.

The roots when dry are very hard, less flexible tortuous with a
yellowish brown surface provided with vertical and irregular cracks
or wrinkles, when rubbed with water yields a light yellowish tinged
paste. The bark does not separate easily from the woody portion,
when dry but separates easily in fresh conditions.
EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY
A Small erect shrub rarely reaching, in the Bombay presidency, 0.9m
high.

BARK :- It is pale, rarely lenticullate.

LEAVES:-

They are 3 in a whorl, thin, glabrous, bright green above, rarely,

opposite, elliptic, lanceolate or obovate or acute or acuminate, pale
in color beneath, base tapering, main nerves 8-10 pairs, slender,
somewhat obscure owing to the blade running down into the
petiole, 7.5-18 by 2.5-6.3 cm thin.
FLOWERS:-

In many flowered cymes, flowers are white often tinged with violet,
in many flowered irregular corymbose cymes.

FRUITS:-
Obliquely ovoid, drupes, purple black, when ripe

COROLLA:- is salver shaped, tube cylindric, white or tinged with

red, 1-1.5 cm, long, or rarely a little longer.

CALYX:- glabrous, bright red.

SEGMENTS:- 2.5 m long, lanceolate
TUBE:- Slender, swollen a little above the middle,
LOBES:- 3mm long, elliptic, oblong, rounded at the apex
DISK:- cup shaped, membraneous, obscurely lobed
DRUPES:- Single or didymous and connate more or less deeply,
about 6 mm in diameter, purplish black when ripe.

INFLORESCENCE:- With red pedicles and calyx and white corolla is

striking

BRACTS: Beneath the pedicels triangular, acute, 1-1.5 mm long

PEDICELS:- Stout, 3-6 mm long, bright red
PEDUNCLES:- 5-12.5 cm long
PETIOLES:- 8 mm long, somewhat obscure owing to the blade
running down into the petiole

SEEDS:- Ovoid
Flowers and fruits almost throughout the year but mainly during
February to May.
 DESCRIPTION
MACROSCOPICAL DESCRPTION
The roots are cylindrical. The main root reaches a length of 30-45
cms, the diameter of the root varies from 0.3 to a little over 1 cm.
The external surface of the root is slightly rough and wrinkled and
show distinct longitudinal ridges with cracks. The longitudinal ridges
are not straight but they are interlocked to one another exhibiting a
reticular appearance.
Only a few lateral roots are sometimes met with numerous wiry
rootlets are found. The outer surface is pale brown. The bark is easily
removable in small patches exposing the pale yellow wood. The
fracture is short.
The root is odour less but has a bitter taste. The cut end of the root
shows a pale brown cork showing ridges and furrows on the outside,
a pale yellow white middle portion and a central pale yellow woody
portion which forms the major portion of the root.

Numerous faint lines are seen radiating from the center. In a root
about 6mm in diameter the cork is about 1.5 mm in thickness, the
rest of the bark 1.5 mm in thickness and wood 3mm in diameter.
MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION
An outer layer in a transverse section of the root is the cork which is
stratified and consisting of 18 rows of cells of which cells of 8 to 12
layers are smaller suberized and unlignified cells of remaining layers
large, rubberized and lignified phelloderm parenchymatous, some
cells packed with starch grains and prismatic and clusters crystals of
calcium oxalate; secondary phloem tissue consists of sieve cells,
companion cells and parenchymatous cell containing starch grains
and crystals of calcium oxalate,phloem fibers absent, phloem
parenchyma occasionally filled with granular substances, starch
grains mostly simple but compound granules also occur with 2 -4
components, individual granules spherical about 5-15µm in
diameter, with well marked hilum simple or split in a radiate form.
Stone cells are absent(distinct from many other species such as R.
canescens,R. micrantha, R. densiflora ,R. perakinsis and R. vomitoria),
secondary xylem is characterized by well developed lignified
medullary rays of about 1-5 cells wide but uniseriate rays one more
prominent, vessels singly or in pairs, xylem parenchyma cells lignified
,fribers present. Cells of medullary rays thick walled and filled with
starch grains and calcium oxalate prisms

POWDER
Coarse to fine, yellowish brown, free flowing, odour slight, bitter in
taste, characterized by spherical, simple to compound starch grains,
calcium oxalate prisms and clusters, vessels with simple perforation
occasionally tailed,tracheids lignified,xylem fibers irregular in
shape,occurs singly or in small groups,walls lignified,tips occasionally
forked or truncated, wood parenchyma cells are filled with calcium
oxalate crystals and starch grains, stone cells, phloem fibers absent.

HISTOLOGY
An outer layer in the transverse section of the root is the cork which
is stratified and consisting of 18 layers of cells. The outermost 3-5
rows are tangentially elongated and the cells are narrow thin walled
tubular, tubular cells measuring 40 to 57 µ in length tangentially and
10-19 µ in width. Inner to this is a zone of 3-5 rows of radially
elongated brocher, thin walled polygonal cells which measure 38-90µ
in length radially and 35-57µ in width tangentially. The next 5 rows of
cells are slightly tangentially elongated and measure 36-56µ
tangentially and 26-55µ radially. The inner 2 to 3 rows measure 15-
35µ radially. The outer most narrow cork cells have suberized but
unlignified walls while rest of them have lignified and suberized
walls.

PHELLOGEN
Phellogen is distinct consisting of one or two rows of tangentially
elongated rectangular cells which measure 23-25µ in length and 8-
10µ in width

PHELLODERM
Consists of 7-10 rows of regular slightly thick walled cellulose cells
without inter cellular spaces. The phelloderm cells just inner to
phellogen are smaller rectangular tubular ones where as the inner
phelloderm cells are slightly irregularly arranged. The phelloderm
cells measure 14-70µ in length tangentially and 12-65 in width
radially and these cells contain numerous starch grains

PROLIFERATED TISSUE
Inner to the phelloderm 7-9 rows of slightly tangentially elongated
thin walled parenchyma cells are met with. The cells are large
oblong, polygonal or rounded ones contain many starch grains. The
cells posses large intercellular spaces. The cells of the proliferated
tissue measure 45-95µ,30-57µ. These cells are slightly irregularly
arranged.
The inner bark consists of numerous broad distal ends of medullary
rays which alternate with narrow radial strips of phloem. Phloem
parenchyma, sieve tube and companion cells are distinct. Phloem
parenchyma cells measure 4-30µ X 2-27µ. A few phloem parenchyma
cells contain starch grains.
A few cells in the proliferated tissue and also a few phloem
parenchyma cells contain some granular substances which becomes
brown with Sudan III
PARTS USED
ROOT
 PART 3
PHARMACOLOGY
PROPERTIES
Rasa : Katu, Tikta

Guna : Laghu ,Ruksha

Virya : Ushna

Vipaka : Katu

Karma : Kapha-vata hara, Nidrajanaka, Depana, Rucya

Vishaguna, Pachana, Mutrala

ACTION & USES

Deepana, Kaphahara, mutral (diuretic), pachana, rucya, vatahara,

vishaghna.

The decoction of the root is used in labours to increase uterine

contractions. The juice of the leaves is used as a remedy for the
removal of opacities of the cornea. It is highly reputed for
hypertension, and is useful in strangury, fever, wounds, colic,
insomnia, epilepsy, giddiness, dyspepsia, and vitiated conditions of
kapha and vata.
 The decoction of the root in Java, it is used as an anthelminthic.
In Mumbai, most of the labourers who come from the southern
Konkan keep a small supply of the root, which they value as a
remedy in painful affections of the bowels.
In the Konkan, the root with Aristolachia indica is given in
cholera in colic, one part of the root with 2 parts of Holarrhena root
and 3 parts of Jatropha curcas root is given in milk. In fever, the root
with Andrographis, ginger and black salt is used. The dose of the
combined drugs in each case is from 3-4 tolas.

The root is used in the Mundas as a snake remedy.

The inhabitants of Mecassan use the petioles as an antidote for ipoh.

Root acts also as febrifuge. The hypnotic and sedative actions
of the drug were known to the poorer classes in Bihar and the
practice of putting children to sleep by this drug is still present in
certain parts of that province.
The Ajmalin group acts as general depressant to the heart,
respiration and nerves and the serpentine group paralyses the
respiration and depresses the nerves but stimulates the heart. The
alkaloid isolated by Sen & Bose injected intravenously in cats showed
high stimulation of the uterine musculature.
The decoction of root promote expulsion of the foetus. Root is used
for hypochondria and irritative conditions of central nervous system.

In fever the root with Andrographis paniculata, ginger and black salt
is used
SPECIFIC FORMULATIONS AND PREPARATIONS
Sarpagandhadi choorna

Sarpagandhi yoga

Sarpagandhi Vati, Serpassil Tablets

Sarpagandhi Gheena Vati.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
1). According to the book “Dravya Guna Vijnan” by Dr.J.L.N. Sastry it
is mentioned as the following

Ajmalicidine,ajmalicine,rouhimbine,reserpiline,reserpine,sarpagine,s
erpentine,serpentinine,yohimbine, ajmalimine, ajmaline,
rauwolfinine(perakinine), sandwicolidine, serpentine etc.
Reserpine(an indole alkaloid) is havinh anti-hypertensive and
tranquilizing property.Ajmaline in combination with other
hypotensive agents is used in the treatment of H.T.N complicated
with arrhythmia.
2). According to the book “Oushada sasyangal” by Dr.S.Neshamani, it
is mentioned as following
Ajmaline 0.1%,ajmalinine 0.05%, Ajmalicine 0.02%,serpentine
0.08%,serpentine,reserpine,reserpinine. In roots resin, starch. In
leaves potassium,carbohydrates,iron,manganese.
3). According to the book “The Indian Materia Medica with
Ayurveda, Unani and Home remedies” the constituents are

Root contains an alkaloid “ophioxylin”,an orange colored principles,

resin, starch and wax. The total yield of alkaloid is 0.5%. Five
crystalline alkaloids isolated are

1.Ajmaline(C 20H26O2N2 ) ;M.P-1580-1600;0.1%

2.Ajmalinine(C20H23O4N) ;M.P-1800-1810;0.05%

3.Ajmalicine(C20H2304N) ;M.P-2500-2520;0.02%

4.Serpentine(C21H23O4N) ;M.P-1530-1540;0.08%

5.Serpentinine(C21H 23O4N) ;M.P-2630-2650;Decomposes

Other constituents are

Phytosterol

Oleic acid

Unsaturated alcohols of formula C25H44O2

DOSAGE
Dose of combined drug is from 1-2 tolas
Dose of 20-30 grains of the powdered root twice daily for reduction
of blood pressure and giving sedative effects

Insomnia -3-6g

Hypertension 1-2 g

Schizophrenia 3-6 g
THERAPEUTIC USES(AAMAYIKA PRAYOGA)
Anidra(Insomnia)

Apasmara(epilepsy)

Bhrama(disorientation)

Jvara(Fever)

Krimiroga(worm infections)

Mada roga

Unmada

Raktavata

Manasa roga(mental ailements)

Vrana(injuries)

Hypertension

Schizophrenia

Giddiness
The root with Aristolochia indica is given in cholera,in colic 1 part of
the root with two parts of Holarrhena root and 3 parts of Jatropha
curcas root is given in milk

In fever the root with Andrographia,ginger and black salt is used.

The root is used as a remedy for snake bite.

The petioles as an antidote for ipoh.

The doses of 20-30 grains of the powdered root twice daily produces
not only sedative effects but also a reduction of the blood pressure.
In Visucika- Sarpagandha with warm water.

In Atisara- Powders of Sarpagandha & Iswari roots

In Sarpavisa- 10-20 g of root powders of sarpagandha is grained with

water and used internally.
INDICATIONS
Cholera

Colic

Insomnia

Hypochrondria

Irritative conditions of central nervous system

Expulsion of foetus

Fever

Insanity

Hypertension

Corneal opacity

Snake bite

Scorpion bite

Painful affections of bowels

Schizophrenia

Injuries

Raktavata

Worm infections

Apasmara

Bhrama

Giddiness
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Anthelmintic

Thermogenic

Diuretic

Sedative property

Febrifuge

Hypnotic action

Depressant

Antidote

Laxative

Anti diarrhoreal

Root acts also as febrifuge

Sleep drug for children in Bihar

Ajmalin group acts as general depressant

In fever, its root with Andrographis paniculata,ginger and black salt is

used
In labours decoction of its root used to increase uterine contraction
and for expulsion of foetus.

Antidote for ipoh, scorpion bite, snake bite.

In cholera Sarpagandha with warm water is given.

Powders of sarpagandha and Iswari roots are used in diarrhea.

IDENTITY,PURITY & STRENGTH
1) Foreign matter not more than 2 percent.

2) Total ash not more than 8 percent.

3) Acid-insoluble extractive not less than 4 percent.

4) Alcohol-soluble extractive not less than 4 percent.

5) Water soluble extractive not less than 10 percent.

T.L.C
T.L.C of the methanol and ammonia extract of root powder on slice
gel ‘G’ plate using Toluene:Ethyl acetate: Diethylamine (70:20:10)
shows eight spot on spraying with Dragondroff reagent at Rf 0.11,
0.13, 0.25, 0.37, 0.47, 0.51, 0.61 and 0.82 (all reddish brown). The
spot at Rf 0.82 is of reserpine.
PART 4
RESEARCH WORKS
REFERENCE
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
RESEARCH WORKS
1. Siddiqui and Siddiqui have examined the root chemically (Journ.
Ind. Chem. Soc; VIII, 1931; IX, 1932)
2. The pharmacological action of ajmaline was determined by
Chopra, Gupta and Mukherjee ( 20 th Ind. Sc. Congress; Patna;
1933)
3. Sen and Bose (1931) studied the pharmacological actions of the
drug on higher animals, eg:- cats.

They found that the watery extract of the whole drug

when injected intravenously in animals produces no
appreciable effect. The resins have also been separately tried
but without much effect on the system excepting a slight
stimulation of the uterine musculature. The alkaloids isolated
by them, however showed very definite results. The blood
pressure showed a slight fall and the respiration was slightly
stimulated. The heart muscle was depressed and the plain
muscle like that of small intestine,uterus etc was relaxed.

4. Roy(1931) found that the reflexes and the sensation of pain are
not affected by ordinary doses of the drug, however if the dose is
large it produces deep sleep, the reflexes and sensation of pain
are diminished and death may result from asphyxia due to
paralysis of the respiration center. The heart goes on beating for
some time after failure of respiration. Further research work
should be called for from the Department of Pharmacology,
school of Tropical medicine, Culcutta.
 REFERENCES

DESCRIPTIVE SYNONYMS

(1) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ xÉÑUxÉÉ lÉÉaÉxÉÑaÉlkÉÉ aÉlkÉlÉÉMÑüsÉÏ |

lÉÉMÑüsÉå¹É pÉÑeÉ…¡ûɤÉÏ xÉmÉÉï…¡ûÏ ÌuÉwÉlÉÉÍzÉlÉÏ ||
( zÉÉÍsÉaÉëÉqÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)

(2) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ xÉÑUxÉÉ lÉÉaÉxÉÑaÉlkÉÉ aÉlkÉlÉÉMÑüsÉÏ |

lÉÉMÑüsÉå¹É pÉÑeÉ…¡ûɤÉÏ xÉmÉÉï…¡ûÏ ÌuÉwÉlÉÉÍzÉlÉÏ ||
lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ iÉÑuÉUÉ ÌiÉ£üÉ MüOÒû MüÉãwhÉÉ ÌuÉlÉÉzÉrÉãiÉç |
pÉÉãÌaÉsÉÔiÉÉuÉ×ͶÉMüÉZÉÑÌuÉwÉeuÉUM×üÍqÉuÉëhÉÉlÉç ||
( pÉÉuÉmÉëMüÉzÉÈ)
(3) xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ qÉWåûµÉUÏ cÉ ||
( SìurÉaÉÑhÉzÉÉx§ÉqÉç )
(4) aÉlkÉlÉÉMÑü sÉÏ lÉÉqÉÉÌlÉ

AlrÉÉ qÉWûÉ xÉÑaÉlkÉÉ cÉ xÉÑuɾûÉ aÉlkÉlÉÉMÑüsÉÏ |

xÉmÉÉï¤ÉÏ TüÍhÉWûl §ÉÏ cÉ lÉÉMÑüsÉÉRûrÉÉÌWûpÉÑMçü cÉ xÉÉ ||
ÌuÉwÉqÉÉSïÌlÉMüÉ cÉÉÌWûqÉSïlÉÏ ÌuÉwÉqÉSïlÉÏ |
qÉWûÉÌWûaÉlkÉÉ ∫ ÌWûsÉiÉÉ gÉårÉÉ xÉÉ ²ÉSzÉÉÀûrÉÉ ||
(UÉeÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ) (kÉluÉliÉËU ÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ) (zÉÉÍsÉaÉëÉqÉÌlÉbÉhOÒû È)

(5) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ
lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ cÉ xÉÑaÉlkÉÉ U£ümȨ́ÉMüÉ |
DµÉUÏ lÉÉaÉaÉlkÉÉ cÉÉmrÉÉÌ»ûpÉÑMçü xuÉUxÉÉ iÉjÉÉ ||
xÉmÉÉïSlÉÏ urÉÉsÉaÉlkÉÉgÉãrÉÉ cÉåÌiÉ SzÉÉÀûrÉÉ |
(UÉeÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)
(6) aÉlkÉlÉÉMÑü sÉÏ

(i) lÉÉMÑüsrÉÉ aÉlkÉqÉÔsÉÉ cÉ xÉÑaÉlkÉÉ xÉÑuÉWûÉ cÉ xÉÉ |

xÉÑUÍpÉ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ cÉ aÉlkÉÉZrÉÉ aÉlkÉcÉÉËUhÉÏ ||
(xÉÉãRûsÉÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)
(ii) lÉÉMÑüsrÉÉ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ cÉ xÉÑaÉlkÉÉ cÉÏhÉïmȨ́ÉMüÉ |
DµÉËU xÉÑUxÉÉ UÉxlÉÉ pÉÑeÉ…¡ûSqÉlÉÏwrÉiÉå ||
(xÉÉåRûsÉÌlÉbÉhOÒû È)

(iii) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ cÉ xÉÑaÉlkÉÉ pÉÉåÌaÉÎlkÉMüÉ |

xÉæuÉ xÉmÉïxÉÑaÉlkÉÉ cÉ iÉjÉÉ cÉÏËUiÉmȨ́ÉMüÉ ||

(kÉluÉliÉUÏrÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)

( 7)qÉWûÉxÉÑaÉlkÉÉ
AlrÉÉ qÉWûÉ xÉÑaÉlkÉÉ cÉ xÉÑuÉWûÉ aÉlkÉlÉÉMÑüsÉÏ |
xÉmÉÉï¤ÉÏ lÉÉMÑüsÉå¹É cÉ cNû §ÉMüÐ ÌuÉwÉqÉÉÌSïlÉÏ ||
(kÉluÉliÉUÏrÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)

(8) gÉårÉÉ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ iÉÑ iÉÑ xÉmÉÉï¤ÉÏ lÉÉMÑüsÉÌmÉërÉÉ |

cNû§ÉÉMüÐ lÉÉMÑüsÉã¹É cÉ mÉrÉÉïrÉÉæ ÌuÉwÉqÉÌSïlÉÏ ||
(AÍpÉkÉÉlÉqÉleÉËU)

(9) rÉÉãaÉåµÉUÏ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ pÉÉåaÉaÉÎlkÉMüÉ |

DµÉUÏ cÉ ÌuÉwÉblÉÏÌiÉ gÉãrÉÉ pÉÏËUiÉmȨ́ÉMüÉ ||
(AÍpÉkÉÉlÉqÉleÉËU)

(10) ÌoÉsuÉÉmɧÉxÉSìèzÉɤÉÑSìmɧÉÉãmÉãiÉÉÇ ÌuÉwÉqÉÉUhÉmÉërÉÉãaÉÍxÉ®qÉç |

LãiÉiÉç ²rÉqÉç ||
(xÉÉrÉhÉÉ)
(11) uÉwÉÉïxÉÑ NûɧÉÉMüÉUÉ ||
(OûsWûhÉÉ)

(12) zÉÇZÉmÉÑwmÉÏ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ cÉÉåijÉÉmrÉÉ......

.....iÉÇ qÉÍhÉÇ MühPãûlÉ ÍzÉUxÉÉ uÉ kÉÉUrÉiÉÉã
lÉ xÉmÉïprÉÇ pÉuÉÌiÉ ||
(xÉÉrÉhÉÉ 2|3|3|)

(13) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏpÉx§ÉÉxÉÌmÉërÉ…¡ÓûiÉhOÒûsÉÉlÉÉÇ uÉ mÉÔhÉÉï ||

(eÉæ. oÉëÉ 3|10|10)

(14) MÑü‚Ñ üOûÏ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ cÉ iÉjÉÉ MüÉhÉÌuÉwÉÉÍhÉMãü |

lÉæmÉÉsÉÏ WûËUiÉÉsÉgcÉ U¤ÉÉåblÉÉ rÉã cÉ MüÐÌiÉïiÉÉÈ ||
(xÉÑ.E.60)

(15) lÉÉMÑüsÉå¹É qÉWûÉuÉÏrÉÉï iÉjÉÉ xÉmÉïaÉÎlkÉMüÉ |

ÌuÉwÉblÉÏ xÉÑuÉWûÉ xÉmÉïaÉlkÉÉ cÉÏËUiÉmȨ́ÉMüÉ ||
xÉÑaÉlkÉÉ lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ xÉmÉïsÉÉãcÉlÉÉ aÉlkÉlÉÉMÑüsÉÏ |
xÉmÉïMÇüMüÉÍsÉMüÉ gÉãrÉÉ xÉÑlÉlSÉ ÌuÉwÉSÇηíMüÉ ||
AlrÉÉ qÉWûÉxÉÑaÉlkÉÉ cÉ Nû §ÉÉMüÐ MüÉqÉcÉÉËUhÉÏ ||
(Mæü. ÌlÉ)
PROPERTIES AND USES

(1) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ MüOÒûMüÉÌiÉ£üÉ iÉjÉÉãwhÉÉ M×üÍqÉUÉãaÉWØûiÉç |

uÉ×Í ¶ÉMüÉãlSÒU xÉmÉÉïÌS ÌuÉwÉÇ lÉÉzrÉiÉϤhÉÉiÉç ||
iÉÑuÉUÉcȨ́ÉSÉåwÉblÉÏMülSãhrÉãiÉãaÉÑhÉÉÈ xqÉ×iÉÉÈ ||
(aÉhÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)
(2) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ iÉÑuÉUÉÌiÉ£üÉ MüOÒûMüÉãwhÉÌuÉlÉÉzÉrÉåiÉç |
pÉÉãÌaÉsÉÔiÉÉuÉ×ͶÉMüÉZÉÑÌuÉwÉeuÉUM×üÍqÉuÉëhÉÉlÉç ||
(pÉÉuÉmÉëMüÉzÉÈ)

(3) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ rÉÑaÉsÉ ÌiÉ£Çü MüOÕ ûwhÉÇ cÉ Ì§ÉSÉãwÉlÉÑiÉç |

AlÉãMü ÌuÉwÉÌuÉkuÉÇÍxÉ MüͶÉicNíãû¸è Ç ÌÀûiÉÏrÉMüqÉç ||
(UÉeÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)

(4) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ MüOÒ ûÃwhÉÉ xrÉÌiÉ£üÉ ∫ÌmÉ mÉÉËUMüÐÌiÉïiÉÉ |

qÉÔwÉMüxrÉ ÌuÉwÉÇ WûÎliÉ M×üÍqÉSÉåwÉÌuÉlÉÉÍzÉlÉÏ ||
(kÉluÉliÉUÏrÉ ÌlÉbÉhOÒû È)

(5) lÉMÑüsÉã¹É MüOÒûÎxiÉ£üÉ MüwÉÉrÉÉãwhÉÉ ÌlÉrÉcNûÌiÉ |

uÉëhÉM×üqÉÏlÉç xÉmÉïsÉÔiÉÉuÉ×ͶÉMüÉZÉÑÌuÉwÉÇ aÉUqÉç ||
(Mæü.ÌlÉ)
(6) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ ÌuÉwÉWØûSè SÒ¹É uÉÉiÉurÉÉÍkÉÌuÉlÉÉzÉlÉÏ ||
(xÉÉåRûsÉÌlÉbÉhOÒ ûÈ)
SOME SPECIAL USES

(1) uÉëhÉM×üqÉÏlÉç xÉmÉïsÉÉãiÉÉuÉ×ͶÉMüÉZÉÑÌuÉwÉÇ aÉUqÉ ||

(MæürrÉSãuÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)
(2) lÉÉMÑüsÉÏ ÌuÉwÉWØûSè SÒ¹É uÉÉiÉurÉÉÍkÉlÉÉÍzÉlÉÏ ||
(xÉÉåRûsÉÌlÉbÉhOÒûÈ)
 CONCLUSION
Ayurveda never had been static. Its practitioners had been
innovative and dynamic in the therapeutic practice and carried on
clinical trials out of the local flora and discovered newer medicines,
with same therapeutic practice and carried on as the classical drug
which might have been then either locally un-available or perhaps
demanding heavy prices. These newer drugs have been accepted by
then practiced profession as substitution.

Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentine Benth ex Kurz) has its own

significance in the field of medicinal plants of India. It is used as
main ingredient in many medicinal preparations as well as used as
antidotes in the bites of poisonous reptiles and insects..
Invention of new species of the same family will be a milestone in
the field of Ayurveda.
 BIBILIOGRAPHY
1. The Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia of India

-Government of India
2. Pharmacognosy of Ayurvedic Drugs- Department of
Pharmacognosy, University of Kerala.
3. Dravya Guna Vijnana- Dr. J.L.N.Sastry
4. Ayurveda vijnana Kosha – Vaidyabhushanam Raghavan
Thirumulpadu
5. Ousadha sasyangal- Dr.S.Nesamani
6. Internet

www.medicinalplants.com

www.flowersofindia.com

7. Text book of Dravya Guna- Dr. K .Nishteswar

8. Indian Medicinal Plants, a compendium of 500 species- Arya
vaidya sala Kottakkal
9. Pharmacognosy of Indigenous drugs- Central council for
research in Ayurveda & Siddha
10. Database on Medicinal plants used in Ayurveda- Central
council for research in Ayurveda & Siddha.