Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter
- Quality (Guna)
- Dry, light
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
- VPK<
- Key Constituents
- Indole alkaloids Reserpine, rescinnamine, resperpinine, ajmaline (WHO 1999, Williamson 2002)
- Dhatu
- Blood, nerve, reproductive
- Srotas
- Mental, nervous, circulatory, reproductive
What is Sarpa-gandha (serpentine species)?
It contains Reserpine alkaloid which is usedfor hypertension. This is the main herb for high blood pressure . Insanity with violent maniacal The Ayurveda Encyclopedia 102symptoms (doses; 20-30 grains of root powder), insomnia, insect stings, dysentery, painful boweldisorders, fevers, insanity, sedative, hypochondria, irritative conditions of the CNS (central nervous system); leaf juice in eyes heals cornea opaci-ties.
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Bitter |
| Vīrya (energy) | Hot |
| Vipāka (post-digestive) | Pungent |
| Guṇa (quality) | Dry, light |
| Doṣa effect | VPK< |
| Dhātu (tissue) | Blood, nerve, reproductive |
| Srotas (channel) | Mental, nervous, circulatory, reproductive |
Therapeutic Actions
- Apara-jita: Alleviates insanity
- Nidra-janana: Promotes sleep Śu-lapraśamana Pain relieving analgesic
- Dı-pana: Enkindles the digestive fire
- Amapa-caka: Digests ama toxins
- Vis.aghna: Destroys poisons
- Kr• mighna: Anthelmintic
- Hr• daya: Treats the heart
- Biomedical: Sedative, nervine, carminative, hypotensive, vasodilator, cardiotonic, alterative, antispasmodic, analgesic
Dosage & Combinations
Dosage: 250–750mg per day powder or 2–12 drops of a standardised tincture (1.0% weight/volume total alkaloids) (Tillotson 2001). Only use under the guidance of a trained herbalist as misuse can cause severe reactions. Q It has a controversial reputation due to the isolated alkaloid reserpine causing such strong side-effects. The whole root is much safer. Q It is CITES Appendix 2 listed and must be sold with the appropriate trade documents. Q
Combinations:
- Jatamamsi, brahmi, licorice, gotu kola in nervous conditions.
- Arjuna, cardamom, rose in high blood pressure and palpitations.
- Turmeric, fennel, ginger in pain.
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindications: Pregnancy, breast-feeding,; asthma, ulcers, kidney pain and; depression. Do not use with alcohol, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), beta-blockers or; MAO inhibitors, levodopa, tricyclic antidepressants or digoxin,; as they may interact with or; potentiate the herb. Sarpagandha; can cause diarrhoea, low libido; and weight gain in larger doses
Safety: Do not use with alcohol, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), beta-blockers or MAO inhibitors, levodopa, tricyclic antidepressants or digoxin, as they may interact with or potentiate the herb. Sarpagandha can cause diarrhoea, low libido and weight gain in larger doses.
How to Use Sarpagandha by Condition
Explore how Sarpagandha is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.