Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rauvolfia canescens has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in South Asian and African ethnomedicine, for a variety of conditions, including as a sedative and to support sleep (insomnia). The traditional basis for its use is largely extrapolated from the broader Rauvolfia genus, especially Rauvolfia serpentina, which is well-known for its sedative and antihypertensive properties due to the alkaloid reserpine. There are records of R. canescens being used similarly in folk remedies, with some herbal texts mentioning its application for calming effects or as an adjunct in treating insomnia-like symptoms.

However, direct scientific validation for R. canescens specifically in insomnia is very limited. Some phytochemical studies have identified alkaloids in R. canescens that are structurally similar to those found in other Rauvolfia species, but clinical or preclinical studies focusing on sleep or insomnia outcomes are lacking. The evidence for its use is therefore primarily traditional, with a low evidence rating due to the absence of rigorous pharmacological or clinical studies supporting its efficacy or safety specifically for insomnia.

In summary, while R. canescens has traditional uses that include support for sleep and calming, these are not robustly supported by scientific research at this time.

More about Rauvolfia canescens
More about Insomnia

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calcium
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cassia bark
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GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
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heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
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marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
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scrophularia root
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valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
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blackboard tree
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walnut

Other health conditions supported by Rauvolfia canescens

Anxiety
Hypertension
Insomnia
Migraine
Pain (general remedies for)

Products containing Rauvolfia canescens

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.