Evidence supporting the use of: Rauvolfia vomitoria
For the health condition: Mental Illness
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Rauvolfia vomitoria has a history of use in traditional African medicine for a variety of ailments, including mental health conditions such as psychosis and agitation. However, its scientific validation is primarily linked to its content of indole alkaloids, notably reserpine. Reserpine, originally isolated from Rauvolfia species (including R. serpentina and R. vomitoria), became one of the first drugs used in Western medicine to treat certain mental illnesses, most notably hypertension and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
Clinical research from the mid-20th century demonstrated that reserpine depletes monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) in the brain, leading to antipsychotic and sedative effects. Several controlled studies showed that reserpine could reduce psychotic symptoms, agitation, and mania. However, the use of reserpine has declined due to its side effects, including depression and parkinsonism-like symptoms, and the development of newer antipsychotic drugs with improved safety profiles.
While Rauvolfia vomitoria itself is less studied than R. serpentina, the presence of similar alkaloids provides a scientific basis for its use in mental illness. Nonetheless, concerns about toxicity and side effects remain. In summary, the use of Rauvolfia vomitoria for mental illness is supported by moderate scientific evidence, primarily based on its pharmacologically active alkaloids, but modern clinical use is limited due to safety concerns.
Other health conditions supported by Rauvolfia vomitoria
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Depression
Hypertension
Mental Illness
Pain (general remedies for)