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

See Examples For:

reserpine

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

Most of these patients take a small daily dose of reserpine or a related alkaloid, both extracted from the roots of the Indian shrub, Rauwolfia serpentina.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Boston team listed six products containing reserpine, usually in combination with a diuretic medication, that had been prescribed for the patients studied; dozens more are sold in the U.S. and other countries.

From Time Magazine Archive

One advantage on which most researchers who have tried it agree: reserpine should reduce the need for electroshock treatments.

From Time Magazine Archive