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Research Paper | Biological Sciences | India | Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023
Studies on Biological Activity and Mechanisms of Action in Alkaloids of Rauvolia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz. for Hypertension Lowering
Shankar .T | Srinivas .T
Abstract: Rauvolfia serpentina, (L.) Benth. ex Kurz.: a perennial South and Southeast Asian plant, is therapeutic. It contains alkaloids, reserpine being the most significant. These alkaloids have been researched to lower blood pressure, and R. serpentina has been used to treat hypertension. Millions worldwide suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems. While there are various pharmaceutical approaches to control hypertension, Rauvolfia alkaloids are the bioactive chemicals responsible for their therapeutic benefits. Reserpine, the most researched antihypertensive alkaloids, is the most prominent. Rauvolfia alkaloids treat hypertension via many routes. One key technique is blocking the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure. Rauvolfiaalkaloids block nerve terminal reuptake of neurotransmitters including norepinephrine and serotonin. Reduced sympathetic outflow causes vasodilation and cardiac output. Rauvolfiaalkaloids also impact the RAAS, another blood pressure regulator. Renin synthesis and release can be modulated to reduce angiotensin II and aldosterone generation. Vasodilation and blood volume reduction reduce blood pressure. The antioxidant effects of Rauvolfiaalkaloids protect vascular endothelial cells against oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress causes endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, contributing to hypertension. Rauvolfia alkaloids may promote endothelial and vascular health by scavenging free radicals and lowering oxidative stress. Rauvolfia alkaloids may also affect vasoactive molecules like NO and ET - 1. Increased NO production lowers blood pressure because it dilates blood vessels. ET - 1 is a vasoconstrictor, hence blocking its release maintains vasodilation. Rauvolfia alkaloids may also affect pro - and anti - inflammatory cytokines, which may affect hypertension and vascular health. They may lower pro - inflammatory cytokines like TNF - &alpha and IL - 6 while increasing anti - inflammatory cytokines like IL - 10. Recent research has examined Rauvolfiaalkaloids' gut microbiota modulation capability. Hypertension control involves the gut - brain axis and gut bacteria. Rauvolfia alkaloids may indirectly affect blood pressure by affecting gut microbiota makeup and function. Rauvolfia alkaloids are safer than synthetic antihypertensives and have direct modes of action. These substances may cause drowsiness, depression, and gastrointestinal issues, so use them with caution.
Keywords: Rauvolfia serpentina, Hypertension, High blood pressure, Antihypertensive, Reserpine, Alpha - adrenergic blockade
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023,
Pages: 1623 - 1625