Back

Schwabe News Volume 2 | Issue 5 | October 2011

Rauvolfia serpentina 1x

Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. Conventionally blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) as systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is considered high if it is over 140 most of the time, where as diastolic pressure is considered high if it is over 90 most of the time. Prevalence of hypertension increases with age.¹

Primary (essential) hypertension is the term applied to most of the cases in which no cause is identified. It is often the result of complex interaction between multiple genetic and environmental factors.² Secondary hypertension, which affects approximately 5% people, has identifiable specific causes, such as alcohol abuse, cocaine use, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, coarctation of the aorta, diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders (like periarteritis nodosa), certain endocrine disorders (like adrenal tumours, hyperthyroidism and cushing syndrome), renal artery stenosis and some drugs like appetite suppressants, birth control pills, corticosteroids, migraine medications, etc.^3,4

Initially high blood pressure is asymptomatic for many years.^1,2 However, sometimes symptoms like confusion, ear noise or buzzing, fatigue, non specific headache, irregular heartbeat, nosebleed and vision changes are felt. Untreated hypertension may end up with blood vessel damage (arteriosclerosis), brain damage, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, heart attack, hypertensive heart disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, vision loss, etc.³ Lifestyle changes may help to control blood pressure. Avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating more fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, keeping blood sugar under control (if diabetic) and maintaining ideal weight are useful.

Rauvolfia serpentina is one of the most often used homoeopathic drugs for hypertension. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is found in sub-Himalayan ranges and Western Ghats of India.⁵ It is officially covered by both Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India and German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia.^6,7 The root contains a great number of alkaloids of which Reserpine is the most well known. Its hypotensive and neuro-depressive activities are established.⁸ A homoeopathic tincture is made from its root. Literatures and rauwolfia serpentina in homeopathy indicate that this remedy is useful to manage high blood pressure. It also alleviates its associated symptoms such as irregular beats, increased emotional excitability, irritative condition of central nervous system, mild depression, irritability and restlessness. Reports suggest it is highly useful in cases of hypertension without marked atheromatous changes in the vessels.^8,9,10,11,12

Indications: High blood pressure and associated symptoms like irregular beats, increased emotional excitability, irritability and restlessness.

Directions for use

Dosage:  Unless otherwise prescribed, 2 tablets 2-3 times a day. Reduce the dose as symptoms improve. If complaints are not relieved, consult a specialist.

Side effects: No side effects of Schwabe’s Rauvolfia serpentina 1x are known.

Contraindications and interactions:  No contra-indications and interactions with other drugs for the use of Schwabe’s Rauvolfia serpentina 1x are known.

Presentation: Bottle of 20gm.

References:

1. High Blood Pressure, Health Topics, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/highbloodpressure.html. Accessed on 8th December 2010.
2. Christopher Haslett, Edwin R. Chilvers, John A.A. Hunter, Nicholas A. Boon, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, Eighteenth Edition, Harcourt Publishers Limited, Robert Stevenson House, 1-3 Baxter’s Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, UK.
3. Medical Encyclopedia, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000468.htm, Accessed on 8th December 2010.
4. J. Stephen, McPhee et.al., Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, Mc Graw Hill, 49th Edition, 2010.
5. P. N. Varma, Indu Vaid, Encyclopaedia of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Volume II, Updated edition 2007, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
6. Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India, Volume 3, 1978, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
7. German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, (Homoopathische Arzneibuch or HAB).
8. R. Murphy, Homeopathic Remedy Guide, Encyclopedia Homeopathica 2.5.
9. W. Boericke, New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory [with Relationship of Remedies], Second Re-Augmented & Revised Edition Based on Ninth Edition, Reprint Edition 2002, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
10. S. K. Banerjea, Fifty Homoeopathic Indian Drugs, Encyclopedia Homeopathica 2.5.
11. P. Banerjee, Materia Medica of Indian Drugs, Encyclopedia Homeopathica 2.5.
12. T. P. Chatterjee, Encyclopedia Homeopathica 2.5.
13. F. Schroyens, Synthesis Treasure Edition 2009.