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rauwolfia alkaloids

(Science: chemical) alkaloids from rauwolfia serpentina benth and other species. The prototype is reserpine, which is a depleter of catecholamines and serotonin from the sympathetic postganglionic fibres and brain areas. They have been used in hypertension and psychoses despite their wide range of potentially adverse effects.

Pharmacological action: adrenergic uptake inhibitors, antihypertensive agents, antipsychotic agents, sympatholytics.