Angicell

Indications

Rauwolfia (Rauvolfia serpentina, Indian snakeroot, known as Sarpagandha) is a potent medicinal plant root. In Ayurvedic and Unani medicine it is traditionally used in preparations for high blood pressure, anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness. Its main alkaloid, Reserpine, was once a standard blood pressure medicine, so the plant has real and strong effects. Because of its side effects, modern blood pressure medicines are usually preferred, and it should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or registered practitioner.

How It Works

The root contains alkaloids, mainly reserpine. Reserpine empties the stores of certain nerve chemicals (noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin) in nerve endings. This relaxes and widens blood vessels, slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, and also has a calming effect on the brain. The effect builds up over days to weeks and can last for weeks after stopping.

Dosage and Administration

Take only as prescribed by a doctor or as directed by a registered practitioner on the label of a registered product. Do not start, stop or change the dose on your own. Blood pressure should be checked regularly while using it. Not for children.

Interactions

• Other blood pressure medicines (such as Amlodipine, Losartan, Atenolol) and diuretics can cause blood pressure to drop too low.
• MAO inhibitors and some antidepressants can cause dangerous reactions.
• Digoxin and Quinidine increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat.
• Levodopa may work less well.
• Alcohol, sleeping tablets and other sedatives increase drowsiness.
• Cold and flu medicines containing decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine may interfere with its effect.

Contraindications

Do not use if you have, or have had, depression or suicidal thoughts, an active stomach or duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, Parkinson disease, very slow heartbeat, or if you are having electroconvulsive therapy. Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or in children.

Side Effects

Stuffy nose, drowsiness, tiredness, slow heartbeat, dizziness on standing, increased stomach acid, diarrhoea, weight gain, vivid dreams, reduced sex drive and erection problems.

Get urgent medical help if you feel low in mood, hopeless or have thoughts of self harm (this can appear weeks after starting); if you vomit blood or pass black stools; if you faint or have a very slow or irregular heartbeat; or if you notice stiffness or shaking.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not use in pregnancy: reserpine crosses the placenta and can cause breathing problems, nasal congestion and poor feeding in the newborn. It passes into breast milk; do not use while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Depression caused by reserpine can be severe; family members should watch for mood changes.
• Tell the surgeon or anaesthetist you take it before any operation.
• Use with care if you have kidney disease, epilepsy, gallstones or asthma.
• It may cause drowsiness; take care when driving.
• Keep strictly to the prescribed amount.

Overdose

Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, flushing, very low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, low body temperature, breathing problems and coma. Get emergency medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Ayurvedic and Unani herbal antihypertensive (rauwolfia alkaloid).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, and out of the reach of children.