Phytochemical Analysis and Therapeutic Applications of Rauwolfia Species
Summary
The genus Rauwolfia, long revered in traditional systems from South Asia to Africa, has become a focal point for modern phytochemical and pharmacological research. Species such as Rauwolfia serpentina and R. tetraphylla yield diverse indole alkaloids—including reserpine, ajmaline and yohimbine—alongside flavonoids, glycosides and terpenoids. Advanced analytical methods (HPTLC, HPLC, LC–MS/MS and UHPLC–MS/MS) have enabled comprehensive profiling of these secondary metabolites, clarifying their stability, abundance and transformation during processing. Therapeutically, Rauwolfia‐derived compounds have shaped treatments for hypertension, arrhythmias and psychiatric disorders, while emerging data indicate antiplasmodial, antioxidant and metabolic benefits. Efforts to secure sustainable supplies encompass biotechnological production, biosensor‐based monitoring of alkaloid yields and the validation of botanical substitutes for endangered taxa. Together, these developments underscore the global significance of Rauwolfia species as sources of bioactive natural products and as models for standardising herbal medicines.
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Phytochemical Analysis and Therapeutic Applications of Rauwolfia Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical analysis and therapeutic applications of rauwolfia species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Indole alkaloids: Secondary metabolites containing an indole ring that often display diverse pharmacological effects.
Reserpine: A prototypical indole alkaloid used clinically as an antihypertensive and antipsychotic agent.
High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC): A technique for separating and quantifying compounds on a thin adsorbent layer.
Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS): A high-resolution method combining liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for precise compound identification.
Antiplasmodial activity: The capacity of a substance to inhibit or kill Plasmodium species responsible for malaria.
References
- A Fast and Reliable UHPLC–MS/MS-Based Method for Screening Selected Pharmacologically Significant Natural Plant Indole Alkaloids. Molecules (2020).
- Isolation, Chemical Profile and Antimalarial Activities of Bioactive Compounds from Rauvolfia caffra Sond. Molecules (2018).
- Endurance of phytocompounds in classical preparation from the root of Rauvolfia serpentina: pharmaceutical dosage validation by HPTLC, HPLC–UV, and LC–MS/MS. Journal of Analytical Science and Technology (2024).
- Identification of suitable substitute for Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz) by phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation. Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences (2020).
- Enzyme biosensor based on pH‐sensitive field‐effect transistors for assessment of total indole alkaloids content in tissue culture of Rauwolfia serpentina. Electrochemical Science Advances (2021).
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