Title: Sarpaganda Scientific Name: Rauvolfia serpentina

Common name: Black snakeroot / Indian snakeroot

Nepali Name: Sarpagandha

Family- Apocynaceae

Sarpagandha is an evergreen plant that has been in use since 4000 years in Ayurved. The root is branched and tuberous. It is used as a useful herb in the Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy treatments. Sarpagandha is composed of many chemical compounds like Reserpine, Serpentine and Ajmalacin. About 50 - 60 alkaloids are found in different species of Sarpagandha.

Uses of Srpagandha

It is used for the treatment of high blood sugar. Hence called as universal medicine for lowering blood pressure.

It cures insomnia, hysteria and hypertension.

It is also useful for in the treatment of cataract and cures toxic goitre.

 It also cures plague and fever and also used for the treatment of Schizophrenia.

It is used in different countries as a sedative and tranquilizer.

It has also been in use in the treatment of intractable skin disorder such as psoriasis, excessive sweating and itching.

About Author

Kushal Naharki is an energetic, enthusiastic and versatile youth pursuing undergraduate degree in Agriculture at IAAS, Lamjung Campus, TU. World Hidden EcoHero Award Winner is also Regional Ambassador of TunzaEcoGeneration for Asia. He is working as Program Coordination of Youth Innovation Network, Vice President of Youth Thinkers’ Society Lamjung and Local Representative of YPARD Nepal. With the involvement in agriculture, environment and youth empowerment, he believes to bring the change in the society and create a sustainable future for all.