Indian Snakeroot
Rauvolfia serpentina
Rauvolfia serpentina, commonly known as Indian snakeroot or tamra varga, is a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has not been extensively documented for specific traditional uses beyond its historical application in various herbal remedies. Scientific evidence suggests potential anti-pseudomonal activity from the supercritical CO2 extracted oleoresins of Rauvolfia serpentina seeds, which may interfere with quorum sensing and reduce key virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, studies have identified a regulatory module involving ABI3/VP1, WRKY25, and STR1 that links secondary metabolite biosynthesis with root development and stress response in the plant. Rauvolfia serpentina populations varied significantly in density and life history traits across different disturbed sites, indicating adaptability to varying environmental conditions. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The supercritical CO2 extracted oleoresins from Rauvolfia serpentina seeds showed anti-pseudomonal activity by interfering with quorum sensing and reducing key virulence factors in P. aeruginosa.
- The study identifies a regulatory module involving ABI3/VP1, WRKY25, and STR1 that links secondary metabolite biosynthesis with root development and stress response in Rauvolfia serpentina.
- Rauvolfia serpentina populations varied significantly in density and life history traits across differently disturbed sites, with undisturbed areas showing higher regeneration and better growth performance.
- The study elucidated the mechanistic details of RsSTR-catalyzed reaction between 1-IEA and secologanin to form a rare piperazinyl-indole scaffold.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indian Snakeroot?
Indian Snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Indian Snakeroot?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Indian Snakeroot; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The supercritical CO2 extracted oleoresins from Rauvolfia serpentina seeds showed anti-pseudomonal activity by interfering with quorum sensing and reducing key virulence factors in P. aeruginosa.
How strong is the evidence for Indian Snakeroot?
The strongest finding for Indian Snakeroot carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Indian Snakeroot safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Indian Snakeroot in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Indian Snakeroot interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Indian Snakeroot in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Indian Snakeroot?
Indian Snakeroot is also known as: Раувольфия змеиная.
Is Indian Snakeroot a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Anthropogenic Disturbances and Invasion of Mikania micrantha Threaten Rauvolfia serpentina Populations in Nepal. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals ABI3/VP1-WRKY25-STR1 regulatory module linking specialized metabolism with root system development and stress response in Rauvolfia serpentina. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Disruption in Quorum-Sensing Circuits and Biofilm Matrix in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Super-Critical CO2 Extracted Oleoresins From Rauvolfia serpentina Seeds Rescue Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Infection. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mechanistic elucidation of strictosidine synthase-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction for rare piperazine-indole scaffold formation. literature abstract metadata