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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Central Antihypertensive, Neuro-Sedative VMAT2 Inhibitor & Antipsychotic Monarch (平肝熄风 / 重镇安神清热降压泻火安神镇静大毒峻药 — 世界植物降压镇静第一药王 / 天然利血平之母 / 精神分裂狂躁与高血压危象第一神根 / 有大毒 / 极严格微量使用)

    蛇根木 / 印度蛇木 / 蛇根草 / 印度萝芙木 / 催眠木 — Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz (syn. Ophioxylon serpentinum)

    Pinyin: Shégēnmù / Yìndù Shémù / Cuīmiánmù · Malay: Pule Pandak / Pulai Pandak / Sarpagandha / Akar Tikus · Family: Apocynaceae (夹竹桃科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cold (大寒 / 苦寒), Extremely Toxic in overdose / Potent active (有毒 / 剧烈降压镇静峻药)

    Flavor

    Intensely bitter, acrid, tongue-numbing (大苦、辛、极寒、麻舌、大毒)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Heart (心), Kidney (肾)

    Traditional Edict

    Indian Snakeroot (Pule Pandak / Sarpagandha / She Gen Mu). Crooked snake-like rootstock. Foundation of modern antihypertensive medicine (source of Reserpine): lowers malignant high blood pressure, sedates manic schizophrenia and severe insomnia.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • DEPRESSION & BRADYCARDIA WARNING: Reserpine depletes central serotonin/dopamine, causing severe depression and suicidal ideation. CONTRAINDICATED in depressive disorders, Parkinson's disease, peptic ulcers, and pregnancy. Never combine with MAO inhibitors.

    Clinical Applications

    • Primary essential hypertension (hemodynamic systemic resistance reduction), refractory psychiatric manic agitation and schizophrenia, and cardiac supraventricular tachycardia (Ajmaline action).

    Quality Markers

    Reserpine (利血平) >= 0.15%-0.35%, Ajmaline >= 0.20% & Total Indole Alkaloids >= 1.80%-3.00% (HPLC USP/IP standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Reserpine irreversibly inhibits vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), depleting norepinephrine and dopamine vesicles in sympathetic terminals to produce sustained blood pressure drop. 2. Central neuro-sedation. 3. Ajmaline Class Ia sodium blockade.

    Preparation & Dosage

    CRITICAL PHARMACEUTICAL MICRO-DOSING ONLY: Standardized Sarpagandha Root Powder (>=0.15% Reserpine): 0.05 to 0.1 g (50-100 mg) per single dose at bedtime (max 300 mg/day) under medical monitoring. Reserpine: 0.1-0.25 mg daily. Homemade teas: STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Standardized Liver-Yang Hypertension Synergy (Strict Oversight) with Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma) and Uncaria. 2. Ayurvedic Insomnia Sarpagandha Ghan Vati with Withania somnifera.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only