Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.

Common Name: Wild snake root
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Rauvolfia
Species: tetraphylla
Malayalam Name: Pambumkolli
Tamil Name: Pampukaalaach chedi
Plant Description:
A small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall
Leaves: Ovate to oblong leaves with 3–5 leaves in a whorl
Inflorescence: Corymbose cymes with red pedicles, a calyx, and a white corolla
Flowers: Small, white flowers that are about 5 mm wide
Fruit: A red drupe that turns black when ripe, containing two seeds
Uses:
Treating hypertension: The root extract of the plant is used to treat hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Treating psychiatric disorders: The plant is used to treat a variety of psychiatric diseases.
Treating snake bites: The inner portion of the stem is used as a paste to treat snake bites. The leaves, root, and stem can also be taken orally to counteract the effects of venom.
Treating intestinal problems: The root extract is used to treat intestinal problems.
Treating nervous disorders: The roots are used to treat nervous disorders, fever, epilepsy, anxiety, and intestinal disorders.
Treating skin diseases: The black dye from the fruits and the extract of the herb are mixed with castor oil and applied to skin ailments.
Stimulating uterine contraction: The roots are used to stimulate uterine contraction in case of difficult delivery.