A CLINICAL TRIAL OF RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Tablets of the dried root were given to 50 patients having essential hypertension. Within a week 77% showed an avg. drop of 13 mm. Hg (2-38). 73% showed an avg. drop of 6 mm. Hg in diastolic pressure, this same percentage showed both systolic and diastolic drop. After 4 weeks 85% averaged a systolic fall of 21 mm. and a diastolic drop of 10 mm. or over was noted in 74%. Five types of response to therapy which have been described previously were recognized and confirmed. The effects outlasted drug admn. by 2-4 weeks. Repeated courses are about as effective as the 1st course. No serious toxic effects were noted. Minor toxic symptoms are drowsiness 12%, lassitude 8%, diarrhea 6%, anorexia 4%, nausea with vomiting 4%. It is suggested that this product has a place in treatment of hypertension.