Evidence supporting the use of: Indian snakeroot
For the body system: Parasympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional systems for various nervous system conditions. Traditionally, it has been used to treat hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, and certain mental disorders. The roots contain alkaloids, most notably reserpine, which is known to deplete catecholamines and serotonin from central and peripheral neurons. While reserpine and related compounds have a direct pharmacological effect on the autonomic nervous system, notably lowering sympathetic tone, they do not directly "support" the parasympathetic nervous system. Instead, by reducing sympathetic activity, there is a functional shift toward parasympathetic dominance. Scientific validation for the use of Indian snakeroot in supporting the parasympathetic nervous system specifically is limited. Most research has focused on its antihypertensive and antipsychotic effects, both of which are partly mediated via autonomic pathways. There is evidence that reserpine can reduce heart rate and promote relaxation, which are functions associated with increased parasympathetic tone, but this is an indirect effect rather than direct support. Thus, while Indian snakeroot has a strong tradition of use for calming effects and nervous system disorders, the evidence for specifically supporting the parasympathetic nervous system is based more on traditional use and indirect pharmacological mechanisms than on direct scientific validation.

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