Chemical Properties
Light-tan to light-brown, bitter, fine,
amorphous powder; slight aromatic odor. Sparingly
soluble in alcohol; very slightly soluble in water.
Occurrence
Rauwolfi a is found in the Far East, India, and South America.
Uses
Medicine (antihypertensive agent).
Definition
The powdered whole root of Rau-
wolfia serpentina, found in India and Indonesia. The
plant is of value as a source of alkaloids, especially
reserpine.
