reserpine

[res-er-pin, -peen, ruh-sur-pin, -peen]

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.

reserpine

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reserpine¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reserpine¹

C20: from German Reserpin , probably from the New Latin name of the plant

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.

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The body also contained reserpine, a blood pressure drug whose use has been linked to depression.

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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.

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