Rauwolfia (also known as Rauwolfias, Rauvolfia): A plant genus of the APOCYNACEAE or dogbane family. Alkaloids from plants in this genus have been used as tranquilizers and antihypertensive agents. RESERPINE is derived from R. serpentina.

NIH MeSH · D011926Organisms

Rauwolfia

Also known asRauwolfias · Rauvolfia · Rauvolfias · Rauwolfia serpentina · Rauwolfia serpentinas · serpentina, Rauwolfia · Rauvolfia serpentina · Rauvolfia serpentinas · serpentina, Rauvolfia

Definition

A plant genus of the APOCYNACEAE or dogbane family. Alkaloids from plants in this genus have been used as tranquilizers and antihypertensive agents. RESERPINE is derived from R. serpentina.

MeSH classification

  • B01.875.800.575.912.250.456.500.777

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Related concepts

Alstonia

A plant genus of the family APOCYNACEAE. Members contain echitovenidine, echitamine, venenatine (an indole alkaloid), and anti-inflammatory …

Amsonia

A plant genus of the family APOCYNACEAE. Species of this genus contain YOHIMBINE.

Common questions about Rauwolfia

What does Rauwolfia mean in medicine?
A plant genus of the APOCYNACEAE or dogbane family. Alkaloids from plants in this genus have been used as tranquilizers and antihypertensive agents. RESERPINE is derived from R. serpentina. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Rauwolfia known by any other names?
Yes. Rauwolfia is also referred to as Rauwolfias, Rauvolfia, Rauvolfias, Rauwolfia serpentina in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Rauwolfia sit in the medical classification?
Rauwolfia falls under the broader medical category "Organisms" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: B01.875.800.575.912.250.456.500.777). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Rauwolfia?
For a plain-language explanation of Rauwolfia - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Rauwolfia" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D011926) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗