Synopsis

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

Rauvolfia species, most notably Rauvolfia serpentina, have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda for the management of insomnia and related nervous disorders. The primary alkaloid, reserpine, is known to have sedative and antihypertensive effects, which may account for its traditional use in promoting sleep. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys document the use of Rauvolfia root extracts as a calming agent and sleep aid, especially in Indian and Southeast Asian folk medicine. However, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy specifically for insomnia is limited. While reserpine and related alkaloids have demonstrated central nervous system depressant effects and can induce sedation, clinical trials have focused primarily on their antihypertensive and antipsychotic properties rather than direct treatment of insomnia. Moreover, Rauvolfia preparations can have significant side effects, including depression, bradycardia, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which restrict their modern use. In summary, the use of Rauvolfia for insomnia is justified by traditional practices, but robust scientific validation for this indication is lacking, and the risk of adverse effects has led to a decline in its use for sleep disorders in contemporary medicine.

More about Rauvolfia (unspecified)
More about Insomnia

Other ingredients used for Insomnia

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut

Other health conditions supported by Rauvolfia (unspecified)

Anxiety
Hypertension
Insomnia
Migraine
Schizophrenia
Stress

Products containing Rauvolfia (unspecified)

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