Abstract:
For centuries, Rauvolfia serpentina Benth.
(Apocynaceae) roots have been used as hypnotics
and sedatives in neuropsychiatric disorders, in
anxiety states and in epilepsy (Srivasta, 1978). A
closely related species R. canescens L. is found in
Sri Lanka, especially in the Benotota area. This
plant is reported to contain chemical constituents
which are closely related to those found in R.
serpentina (Krishnamurthi, 1969). As such it may
be possible that R. canescens roots be used as a
substitute for R. serpentina in the treatment of the
above mentioned diseases. This study was carried
out to investigate the possible sedative effects of R.
canescens using rat hole board technique (File and
Wordwill, 1975.)
