reserpine

American  

[res-er-pin, -peen, ruh-sur-pin, -peen] / ˈrɛs ər pɪn, -ˌpin, rəˈsɜr pɪn, -pin /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 3 3 H 4 0 N 2 O 9 , obtained from the root of the rauwolfia, Rauwolfia serpentina, used in the treatment of hypertension.

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reserpine British  

/ ˈrɛsəpɪn /

noun

1. an insoluble alkaloid, extracted from the roots of the plant Rauwolfia serpentina , used medicinally to lower blood pressure and as a sedative and tranquillizer. Its main adverse effect is mental depression. Formula: C 33 H 40 N 2 O 9

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Etymology

Origin of reserpine

1950–55; < German Reserpin, equivalent to reserp- (probably irregular < New Latin Rauwolfia serpentina ( Rauwolfia rauwolfia + Late Latin serpentīna, feminine of serpentīnus serpentine ¹ )) + German -in -ine ²

Example Sentences

His 1967 paper, titled “The Biochemistry of Affective Disorders,” reviewed studies of reserpine, iproniazid, and other recently discovered drugs, and proposed that low levels of a different neurotransmitter, serotonin, could underlie depressive illness.

From Salon • May 23, 2025

He made molecules – strychnine, reserpine, chlorophyll, vitamin B12 – whose synthesis defied belief; the Nobel Committee compared him to Nature herself when awarding him their prize.

From Scientific American • Jan. 25, 2013

An extract of the snakeroot plant, reserpine, traditionally employed in Asia to counteract poisonous snake bite, is the basis of a number of tranquilizers and hypertension drugs.

From Time Magazine Archive

After reserpine, and with no more help from the psychiatrists than she had always had, the woman went home on a maintenance dose of one reserpine pill a day.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mississippi's Dr. Veronica Pennington finds that the most enduring tranquilization of state-hospital patients comes from reserpine; its effects persist as long as a month after the last dose has been administered.

From Time Magazine Archive