Indian snakeroot

Botanical

What is it

Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina; called sarpagandha in Ayurveda) is a flowering shrub whose root contains reserpine and related indole alkaloids. It was historically used to treat hypertension and mental disorders.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Hypertension (historical)

Good Evidence

Reserpine effectively lowers blood pressure but has been replaced by safer antihypertensives because of the side effect burden. Not recommended as a supplement.

How it works

The principal alkaloid, reserpine, depletes presynaptic stores of catecholamines (norepinephrine, dopamine) and serotonin in the central and peripheral nervous system by inhibiting the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT). This reduces sympathetic tone, lowering blood pressure. Reserpine was widely used for hypertension in the mid-20th century but has been largely replaced by safer medications because of side effects (depression, sedation, nasal congestion, GI effects) and the risk of severe depression with suicide. Rauwolfia is still used in some Ayurvedic preparations.

Dosage

Should not be self-administered. Historical pharmaceutical reserpine doses were 0.1-0.25 mg/day. Whole-root preparations contain variable alkaloid concentrations and are not safely dose-able as supplements.

When and how to take it

Not appropriate for self-administration.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Whole root or reserpine extract

Some Ayurvedic formulas include rauwolfia; pharmaceutical reserpine still exists but is rarely prescribed.

Variable alkaloid content in supplements.

Safety

Major side effects include depression (sometimes severe and persistent), sedation, nasal congestion, bradycardia, hypotension, GI upset, and parkinsonism. Contraindicated in depression, peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, and pregnancy. FDA has issued warnings on dietary supplements containing rauwolfia.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in depression, history of suicide attempt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, peptic ulcer disease, ulcerative colitis, Parkinson's disease, and bradycardia. Most people should avoid entirely.

Interactions

Major interactions with MAOIs (hypertensive crisis), tricyclic antidepressants, digoxin (additive bradycardia), levodopa (reduced effect), anesthetics, and any drug affecting blood pressure or mood. Should not be combined with stimulants.

Food sources

Not a food source

Amount
N/A
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Should I use Indian snakeroot for high blood pressure?⌄

No. Modern antihypertensives are safer and better dosed. Rauwolfia carries a high risk of depression and other side effects.

References

Indian snakeroot on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Indian snakeroot on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Indian snakeroot (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.