Reserpine, an active alkaloid, is obtained from:

Reserpine is an active alkaloid that is obtained from the plant species Rauwolfia serpentina.

Explanation:

- Reserpine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that was first isolated from the roots of the Rauwolfia serpentina plant in 1952 by Indian scientist R.S. Chopra.
- Rauwolfia serpentina, also known as Indian snakeroot or serpentine wood, is a perennial plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It grows in the wild as well as being cultivated for medicinal purposes.
- The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including hypertension, mental disorders, and snakebites.
- Reserpine is one of the major bioactive compounds found in Rauwolfia serpentina and has been extensively studied for its pharmacological properties.
- It is a powerful antihypertensive agent and has been used for the treatment of high blood pressure for many years.
- Reserpine works by inhibiting the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin into synaptic vesicles, leading to a decrease in the release of these neurotransmitters. This results in a decrease in sympathetic outflow from the central nervous system, leading to a reduction in blood pressure.
- In addition to its antihypertensive effects, reserpine also has sedative and tranquilizing properties. It has been used in the treatment of mental disorders such as schizophrenia and mania.
- Reserpine is typically administered orally and is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine.
- Although reserpine is an effective antihypertensive agent, it is now rarely used due to its numerous side effects, including sedation, depression, and gastrointestinal disturbances. It has been largely replaced by newer antihypertensive drugs with fewer side effects.