Rauvolfia verticillata (Lour.) Baill.
Luó Fú Mù Jīng Yè (Rauvolfia Stem and Leaf) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the stem and leaf of Rauvolfia verticillata (Lour.) Baill. and various other species of the same genus, plants belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It grows in shrub thickets and small forests in low mountain hills or beside streams. It was first recorded in Nanning Shiyao Zhi (Nanning Medicinal Materials Records).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, removes toxicity, activates blood circulation, reduces swelling, and lowers blood pressure.
Indications
Sore throat; traumatic swelling and bruises; snake bites; hypertension; and conditions such as common cold, heatstroke with vomiting and diarrhea, carbuncles, scabies and sores, etc.
Modern Pharmacology
Effects on the cardiovascular system: Exhibits immediate blood pressure‑lowering effects. Reserpine, a component of Rauvolfia, is a classic antihypertensive agent. Effects on the central nervous system: Reserpine can release and deplete brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, producing a tranquilizing effect. Other effects: Long‑term, high‑dose use of reserpine may cause Parkinson's syndrome, possibly related to depletion of dopamine in the striatum; High doses can lower body temperature; May increase gastric acid secretion in rats, mice, cats, and humans, potentially leading to gastric ulcers. Toxicity: Rauvolfia contains reserpine and yohimbine. Reserpine inhibits vesicular monoamine transport, reducing the effects of catecholamines in tissues. No confirmed cases of human poisoning from Rauvolfia have been reported.
Ingredients
The stem of Rauvolfia contains ajmalicine (which is δ‑yohimbine). The leaves contain aricine and other components. The root contains various alkaloids such as reserpine and yohimbine.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g. For topical application: take an appropriate amount, mash and apply externally; or decoct in water and wash the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with stomach diseases and those with qi‑blood deficiency‑cold. As this product is cool in nature, it should be used with caution in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold.
Selected Formulas
For colds and summer-heat diseases (Guangxi Medicinal Plant Illustrated Handbook) Take leaves of Yangmunai (Rauvolfia verticillata), decoct in water and drink. For traumatic injuries and snake bites (Guangzhou Air Force, Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take fresh leaves of Luofumu (Rauvolfia verticillata), crush and apply externally. For knife wound bleeding (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of tender leaves of Luofumu, crush into a pulp, and apply to the wound.
Medicinal Parts
Stem and leaf.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
