Rauvolfia vomitoria
-NMP-238.jpg)
|
|
Scientific Classification
Synonyms
Species
ID: NMP-238;wfo-0000295213;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 403115 Common
Names: swizzle stick Local
Names:
Description Rauvolfia
vomitoria is a
small tree or large shrub, growing up to 8 meters in height. The branches are
whorled, with leaves arranged in groups of three at swollen nodes. The leaves
are broadly lanceolate or elliptical, tapering to a long point. It produces
small, fragrant flowers followed by globular red fruits. All parts of the
plant, except the mature wood, contain latex. Distribution
and Habitat Rauvolfia
vomitoria is native
to tropical Africa, with its range extending from Senegal east to Sudan and
Tanzania, and south to Angola. It has also been naturalized in regions such as
China, Bangladesh, and Puerto Rico. The plant thrives in seasonally dry
tropical biomes and is commonly found in forests and savannas. Medicinal
Properties The
plant is widely used in traditional medicine across its range:
Pharmacologically,
Rauvolfia vomitoria contains several alkaloids, including reserpine,
reserpinine, deserpidine, ajmalicine, and ajmaline, which have been utilized in
the pharmaceutical industry. Known
Toxicity All
parts of Rauvolfia vomitoria are considered toxic. Traditionally, a
paste made from the pulverized root has been used to coat arrow tips and spears
for hunting, and mixed with cassava meal to create rat poison. The presence of
potent alkaloids necessitates caution in its use, and it is advisable to
consult knowledgeable practitioners before any medicinal application. Additional
Information The
generic name Rauvolfia honors Leonhart Rauvolf, a 16th-century German
physician known for collecting medicinal plants. The specific epithet vomitoria
refers to the purgative and emetic properties of the bark.
References References
External
Links
|
|
| Compounds of Rauvolfia vomitoria |
|
| References |
|