[res-er-pin, -peen, ruh-sur-pin, -peen] 
| an alkaloid, C3 3H4 0N2O9, obtained from the root of the rauwolfia, Rauwolfia serpentina, used in the treatment of hypertension. |
| re·ser·pine (rĭ-sûr'pēn', -pĭn, rěs'ər-pĭn, -pēn', rěz'-) n. A white to yellowish powder, C33H40N2O9, isolated from the roots of certain species of rauwolfia and used as a sedative and an antihypertensive. [German Reserpin, from shortening and alteration of New Latin Rauwolfia serpentīna, species of snakeroot : rauwolfia + Late Latin serpentīna, feminine of serpentīnus, serpentine; see serpentine.] |
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.
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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