reserpine
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ər1950–55; < German Reserpin, equivalent to reserp- (probably irregular < Neo-Latin Rauwolfia serpentina (Rauwolfia Rauwolfia + Late Latin serpentīna, feminine of serpentīnus serpentine)) + German -in -ine2
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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reserpine (ˈrɛsəpɪn) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| an insoluble alkaloid, extracted from the roots of the plant Rauwolfia serpentina, used medicinally to lower blood pressure and as a sedative and tranquillizer. Its main adverse effect is mental depression. Formula: C33H40N2O9 | |
| [C20: from German Reserpin, probably from the New Latin name of the plant] | |
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| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
| an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle. |
reserpine re·ser·pine (rĭ-sûr'pēn', -pĭn, rěs'ər-pĭn, -pēn', rěz'-)
n.
A white to yellowish powder isolated from the roots of certain species of Asian shrubs and used as a sedative and an antihypertensive.
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reserpine
drug derived from the roots of certain species of the tropical plant Rauwolfia. The powdered whole root of the Indian shrub Rauwolfia serpentina historically had been used to treat snakebites, insomnia, hypertension (high blood pressure), and insanity. Reserpine, isolated in 1952, was the first of many Rauwolfia alkaloids found in the crude drug. Because the drug produces a profound and prolonged tranquilizing action, it was once used in treating schizophrenia. Reserpine is sometimes used in treating hypertension, though newer antihypertensive drugs with fewer central nervous system side effects are the preferred treatment
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