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

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Synopsis

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

Rauvolfia (most commonly Rauvolfia serpentina) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and other South Asian medicinal systems. It has primarily been used for its calming effects, to manage hypertension, insomnia, and certain mental health conditions. The plant contains alkaloids such as reserpine, which is known to deplete catecholamines and serotonin from central and peripheral neurons, thereby reducing sympathetic nervous system activity. This mechanism indirectly enhances parasympathetic tone, resulting in lowered heart rate and blood pressure, and a general calming effect. However, most of the traditional use centers around the overall calming of the nervous system and cardiovascular effects, rather than direct or specific support of the parasympathetic nervous system as understood in modern physiology. While there is scientific validation for Rauvolfia’s effects on the autonomic nervous system, especially in lowering blood pressure by reducing sympathetic outflow, its use for “supporting the parasympathetic nervous system” specifically is not well documented in clinical trials or modern research. Thus, while there is a plausible mechanism and traditional rationale, scientific evidence for this specific indication remains moderate and mostly indirect.

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