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.

---

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

---

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

When he got reserpine last summer, Dr. Tasher made his test as rigorous as possible.

From Time Magazine Archive

Both chlorpromazine and reserpine have marked and undesirable side effects which make them potentially dangerous in the haphazard use which some general practitioners and office psychiatrists are now making of them.

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---