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

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Synopsis

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

Rauvolfia vomitoria has a long history of use in traditional African medicine, primarily for the management of hypertension, mental disorders, and as a sedative. The roots contain alkaloids such as reserpine, which is known to have antihypertensive and sedative effects, both of which are associated with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) or the modulation of autonomic balance. Traditional healers have used extracts of the plant to calm agitation and treat insomnia, suggesting effects on the nervous system that may overlap with parasympathetic support. However, contemporary scientific studies specifically examining Rauvolfia vomitoria's effects on the PNS are limited. Most research focuses on its cardiovascular and central nervous system effects, with some studies indicating that reserpine can increase parasympathetic (vagal) tone by depleting catecholamines, thus reducing sympathetic activity. Still, these findings are mostly extrapolated from research on purified reserpine or related Rauvolfia species (such as Rauvolfia serpentina), not directly on Rauvolfia vomitoria in the context of parasympathetic support. Therefore, while traditional use and some pharmacological rationale exist, direct scientific validation for supporting the parasympathetic nervous system is limited.

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