Medicinal Plants: Heart and Circulatory System-Hypertension

Question 1

Indian Snakeroot

BOTANICAL INFORMATION

Answer 1

• Small shrub
• Periwinkle Family
• India and Southeast Asia-moist, tropical areas

Question 2

Indian Snakeroot

HISTORY AS A MEDICINAL PLANT

Answer 2

• Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine
• Used the root, 4 year old roots are ideal
• Calming affect to treat mental disorders and agitation, and to soothe fretful babies
• Chewed while meditating
• Clinical trials demonstrated hypotensive activity (reducing blood pressure) and a powerful sedative (relaxation without drowsiness)
• Alkaloid-reserpine
  
  • Deplete stores of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine in the brain

Question 3

Indian Snakeroot

MODERN UTILIZATION:

Answer 3

• Treating hypertension and acute or chronic psychoses (schizophrenia)
  
  • Hypertension symptoms-fatigue, nervousness, and heart palpitations
  • Treatment is generally 3-6 weeks, drug is cumulative in effect
• Previous treatments had terrible side effects-metrazol injections, electroshock therapy, insulin injections
  
  • Not a cure, must be taken regularly
• Tranquillizer for general anxiety