Sarpagandha – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

The content has been written by a medical expert.

Introduction:

Sarpagandha Ghan Vati is an Ayurvedic medicine derived from sarpagandha, a valuable root obtained from the flowering plant, Rauwolfia serpentina.¹

In Sanskrit, sarpagandha refers to snakeroot as the plant’s root is twisted and resembles a snake. The root of this plant is used in folk and tribal medicine. Alkaline reserpine is a compound produced by sarpagandha which may have beneficial effects on the human body.

Properties of Sarpagandha:

Rauvolfia serpentine roots, the Indian snakeroot, devil’s pepper, or serpentine wood (Sarpagandha). Alkaline reserpine obtained from the plant is the principal active component.⁴ Sarpagandha is also known to have many beneficial properties. These include

• May help to Improve blood sugar levels
• May have anti-bacterial properties
• May show anti-diarrheal properties
• May help to Improve heart rhythm
• May have sedative properties
• May help to improve digestion
• May have laxative properties.⁵
• It may have sedative properties.
• May have some effect on schizophrenia.¹

Potential Uses of Sarpagandha Root:

From ancient times, serpentina roots, and juice have been thought to have properties, attract the attention of physicians. The roots of this plant are rich in reserpine alkaloid.⁴

1. Potential Uses of Sarpagandha for High Blood Pressure

The powder derived from Sarpagandha roots may help as a natural remedy for treating hypertension. In studies it was found that sarpagandha may lower blood pressure and it may have some effect on blood circulation it may have effect on nerve function in the muscles that lead to the heart.⁶ These properties studied in sarpagandha may indicate its benefits for blood pressure and heart health but these studies are insufficient. You must take advice from a qualified doctor before using sarpagandha for its benefits.

2. Potential Uses of Sarpagandha for the Brain

Based on my experience, I have observed that larger doses of Sarpagandha may show some side effects to be aware of. These can include low libido and weight gain. It is believed that certain compounds in Sarpagandha may affect hormonal balance and metabolism.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

3. Potential Uses of Sarpagandha for Anxiety

Sarpagandha may be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety symptoms. As per Ayurveda, Vata is responsible for all body movements and nervous system processes. An imbalance in Vata is the primary cause of anxiety. Since sapagandha may have vata-balancing properties, it may help with improving anxiety symptoms.⁶

4. Potential Uses of Sarpagandha for Insomnia (Sleeplessness)

People have trouble sleeping even after a tiring day when they have insomnia. A disturbed vata-dosha, according to Ayurveda, disrupts the nervous system, resulting in insomnia. Sarpagandha’s sleep-inducing properties may be helpful to calm the nervous system and it may promote restful sleep. When combined with other ingredients, sarpagandha has been studied to be effective in the management of insomnia.⁷

However, the studies available seem to be insufficient to validate its effect on humans. Consult your doctor for treatment of insomnia.

Over the years, I have observed that Sarpagandha might have certain properties known as Ushna Virya and Tikta Guna. These properties suggest that it could act as an appetizer, digestive aid, cholagogue (stimulates bile flow), and anthelmintic (expels worms).

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

5. Potential Uses of Sarpagandha for Fever

Sarpagandha may have properties that help in reducing fever. Studies have reported that sarpagandha exhibits some laxative properties that help in relieving constipation and it may have some effect on digestion. ‘Ama’ in Ayurveda, is a toxin that persists in the body because of improper digestion. Ama may cause fever in the body. Sarpagandha may have certain properties called ‘ushna’ that may help with reducing fever. ⁶ Contact your doctor for advice for digestive problems and specially if it leads to fever.

6. Potential Uses of Sarpagandha for Skin

Sarpagandha may be used to treat various skin problems like boils and acne. It is traditionally used in various places across India for treating scabies.⁷ This effect of sarpangandha on the skin may need more studies to establish its efficacy. You must consult a dermatologist for advice on skin problems.

Also Read: 16 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

Other Potential Uses of Sarpagandha

• Sarpagandha may be helpful in the management of eye diseases and it may have some effect on the initial phases of pneumonia.⁸
• The powder or juice obtained from the plant is used by some local tribes to treat asthma. The effect of sarpagandha is not well-researched and needs further studies.⁸
• Sarpagandha may be used in the production of sleep-inducing and blood pressure-lowering drugs.³
• The root of this plant may be helpful in painful bowel disorders.³
• Roots of this plant may be helpful in conditions related to the central nervous system.³
• The leaves of this plant may have some effect on snake bites and wounds.²

Though there are studies that show the benefits of sarpagandha in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of sarpagandha on human health.  

How to Use Sarpagandha?

Sarpagandha is available in three forms:^6,9 Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition.

1. Sarpagandha powder
2. Sarpagandha Ghan Vati
3. Sarpagandha capsule

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Sarpagandha:

The most common side effects of sarpagandha may include nasal congestion (nose block) and dryness of the mouth. Some other reported side effects are:¹⁰

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain
• Skin rashes
• Drowsiness and convulsions
• Symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease
• Diarrhea

However, if you experience any of these adverse reactions to sarpagandha, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.

Also Read: Chirata – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, & Precautions

Precautions & Warnings to Be Taken with Sarpagandha:

Eating sarpagandha may be okay if it is taken in moderate amounts with general precautions. Sarpagandha may have some negative effects on the following conditions:⁸

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding- It is not safe to use Sarpagandha during pregnancy as the chemicals present in the medicine may lead to birth defects. These chemicals can also enter the breast milk and might harm the baby.
• Gall stones- Sarpagandha is not recommended if you have gallstones, as it might worsen the condition.
• Stomach ulcers and ulcerative colitis- Sarpagandha is contraindicated in these conditions as they could make the condition worse.
• Allergy to alkaline reserpine- Sarpagandha is not advised if you are allergic to reserpine or similar medications.
• Electroconvulsive therapy- It is essential to stop taking Sarpagandha a week before initiating electroconvulsive therapy.
• Surgery- It is claimed that Sarpagandha will interfere with surgical procedures by elevating blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, it is essential to stop taking the medicine at least 2 weeks before a planned surgery.
• Depression- Sarpagandha can lead to depression, particularly in individuals who have previously suffered from depression.
• Diabetes: Blood sugar levels can be reduced by using Indian snakeroot. When combined with other diabetes medications, it may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

Please do not try to treat yourself by consuming herbs. Ayurvedic herbs may have potential benefits, but it is advisable to consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before taking any herb for its health benefits.

Also Read: Chandraprabha Vati (Chandraprabha Gulika): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Interactions with Other Drugs:

It is essential to keep in mind not to use Sarpagandha with any of these medications:¹¹

• Digoxin- This drug helps a damaged heart pump more strongly. Sarpagandha slows down the heartbeat. Digoxin’s effect on heart rate might be interrupted when Sarpagandha is taken along with digoxin.
• Levodopa- Parkinson’s disease is treated with levodopa. Taking Indian snakeroot with levodopa could reduce levodopa’s effectiveness and should consumed with caution.
• Anti-depressants- Sarpagandha has a chemical that has effects on the body. This chemical might aggravate the side effects of a few anti-depressants drugs like phenelzine and tranylcypromine. It is important to consult with your doctor if you are taking any such medicines.
• Anti-psychotic drugs- Sarpagandha has a calming effect. Medications for psychosis (mental conditions) help you relax. Taking Sarpagandha along with a few anti-psychotic drugs may increase the risk of side effects of antipsychotic drugs.
• Stimulant drugs- These medications stimulate the nervous system and make you feel restless. They also increase your heart rate by stimulating the nervous system. Sarpagandha may also help to boost the performance of the nervous system. Taking Sarpagandha with stimulants might lead to dangerous effects like increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Some stimulant medications include epinephrine and pseudoephedrine.
• Anti-diabetic drugs- These drugs are used to lower blood sugar levels. Sarpagandha might also reduce blood sugar levels. Taking these medications together might lower your blood sugar even more. You might have to change the dose of your anti-diabetic medicine if you are taking Sarpagandha. Some anti-diabetic medications include glimepiride, insulin, tolbutamide, and chlorpropamide.
• Anti-hypertensive drugs- These drugs help in reducing blood pressure. Sarpagandha also has this property. Therefore, when these drugs are taken together, blood pressure might become very low. Some anti-hypertensive drugs that are commonly used are enalapril, captopril, diltiazem, losartan, and amlodipine.
• Anti-coagulants/ anti-platelet drugs- These medications retard the clotting of blood. A chemical found in Sarpagandha might also help to slow down the blood clotting process. Taking these medications together might increase the probability of bleeding.

It is essential to consult your Ayurvedic physician before consuming any herbs like sarpagandha for its benefits. Your Ayurvedic physician can appropriately modify the dosage and prescribe as per your current medications, conditions, and requirements.

Also Read: Tejpatta – Benefits, Side Effects, Nutritional Value & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Amaltas – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and Precautions

References:

1. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal. A review on Sarpagandha- whole herb v/s reserpine-its alkaloid in the management of hypertension. [Internet] Available from: http://www.iamj.in/posts/2015/images/upload/565_569.pdf
2. Pratibha Choudhary, Richa Singh, Pooja Goswami; Magical power of medicinal plant: The Sarpagandha. Rashtriya Krishi. 2018 Dec; 13 (2): 49-51. Available from: http://researchjournal.co.in/online/RKE/RKE%2013(2)/13_49-51.pdf
3. Karunadu Karnataka. Sarpagandha. [Internet] Available from: https://karunadu.karnataka.gov.in/kampa/Documents/Sarpagandha.pdf
4. International journal of current research. Rauwolfia serpentine (Sarpagandha). A review based upon phytochemistry and ayurvedic uses. [Internet] Available from: https://www.journalcra.com/sites/default/files/issue-pdf/41003_0.pdf
5. Planet Ayurveda. Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) Powder- Usage, dosage, and health benefits. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/sarpagandha-powder/
6. National center for biotechnology information. Global pharma and local science: the untold tale of reserpine. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836351/
7. Research gate. Rauvolfia serpentine L. Benth: A potential source of clinically relevant metabolites (medicinal properties of Rauvolfia serpentine metabolites). [Internet] available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311144735_Rauvolfia_serpentine_L_Benth_A_potential_source_of_clinically_relevant_metabolites_Medicinal_properties_of_Rauvolfia_serpentine_metabolites
8. Planet Ayurveda. Sarpagandha Ghan Vati. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/sarpagandha-ghan-vati/
9. RxList. Indian snakeroot. [Internet] Available from: https://www.rxlist.com/indian_snakeroot/supplements.htm
10. WebMD. Indian snakeroot- Uses, side effects, and more. [Internet] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-787/indian-snakeroot
11. Planet Ayurveda. Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia Serpentina) – Usage, dosage, and benefits. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/sarpagandha/
12. National kidney foundation. Herbal supplements and kidney disease. [Internet] Available from: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/herbalsupp
13. National center for biotechnology information. Rauwolfia in the treatment of hypertension. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566472/

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