Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Heterocyclic Compounds > Alkaloids > Yohimbans > Rauwolfia Alkaloids Terms and Definitions

Rauwolfia Alkaloids

Medical Definition:	Alkaloids from Rauwolfia serpentina Benth and other species. The prototype is RESERPINE, which is a depleter of catecholamines and serotonin from the sympathetic postganglionic fibers and brain areas. They have been used in hypertension and psychoses despite their wide range of potentially adverse effects.
Guide Notes:	GEN or unspecified: prefer specific indentions; /biosyn permitted
Also Called:	Alseroxylon
Previously Indexed:	Rauwolfia (1969-1974),Yohimbans (1969-1974)

Rauwolfia Alkaloids Categories.

	Ajmaline - An alkaloid found in the root of Rauwolfia serpentina, among other plant sources. It is a class Ia antiarrhythmic agent that apparently acts by changing the shape and threshold of cardiac action potentials.
	Reserpine - An alkaloid found in the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina and R. vomitoria. Reserpine inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine into storage vesicles resulting in depletion of catecholamines and serotonin from central and peripheral axon terminals. It has been used as an antihypertensive and an antipsychotic as well as a research tool, but its adverse effects limit its clinical use.
	Yohimbine - A plant alkaloid with alpha-2-adrenergic blocking activity. Yohimbine has been used as a mydriatic and in the treatment of impotence. It is also alleged to be an aphrodisiac.

Rauwolfia Alkaloids Medical Definitions and Terms

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