Evidence supporting the use of: Indian snakeroot
For the health condition: Insomnia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Indian snakeroot (Rauwolfia serpentina) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for the treatment of insomnia and other nervous disorders. The root contains several alkaloids, notably reserpine, which has sedative and antihypertensive properties. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys document its use as a calming agent to promote sleep. While there is some scientific understanding of its mechanism—primarily through central nervous system depression attributed to reserpine—modern clinical trials specifically evaluating Indian snakeroot for insomnia are limited or lacking. Most research has focused on its effects on hypertension and psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. Adverse effects, including depression and extrapyramidal symptoms, have also been reported with reserpine use. Thus, while the traditional use for insomnia is well-documented and there is a plausible pharmacological basis, robust scientific evidence from controlled studies on its efficacy and safety for insomnia in humans is insufficient. Its use today is limited due to safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives. Therefore, the rating reflects strong traditional use with partial scientific plausibility but insufficient modern clinical validation.

More about Indian snakeroot
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Other ingredients used for Insomnia

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
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cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
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fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
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heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
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morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
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ganoderma
lotus seed
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purslane
aster root
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wood betony
goji berry
soursop
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Alpha-terpineol
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Apigenin
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Albizia
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Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
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Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
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Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
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Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
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Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Ficus religiosa
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Fringed Pink
Frankincense
Gelsemium
Geraniol
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Glycine
Gardenia jasminoides
jasmine
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Milk Protein
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Poppy
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walnut

Products containing Indian snakeroot

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.