Overview
People use Rauvolfia vomitoria for convulsions, fever, weakness, inability to sleep, mental disorders, pain, arthritis, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and health of the stomach, intestines, and liver. It is also used to promote sleepiness and vomiting.
Rauvolfia vomitoria is applied to the skin for snake bites, skin infections, and swelling.
It is placed in the rectum for worms in the intestine and for menstrual pains.
In western countries such as the U.S. and Canada, Rauvolfia vomitoria is used in some workoutsupplements. Countries including Canada and others have banned supplements containing Rauvolfia vomitoria extract from the market. This is because some Rauvolfia vomitoria extracts contain high levels of chemicals that are prescription drugs.
How does it work ?
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Insufficient Evidence for
- Diabetes. Early research shows that drinking a beverage made from the leaves and stems of Rauvolfia vomitoria and the fruit of bitter orange helps reduce levels of blood sugar following a meal in some people with diabetes. But it doesn't seem to improve fasting or average blood sugar.
- Psychosis. Early research shows that taking Rauvolfia vomitoria root powder daily for 6 weeks improves symptoms of psychosis in some people. But it also seems to cause shakiness, jerky movements, or slower movements in some people. These side effects are similar to those of medications for mental conditions (antipsychotic drugs).
- Arthritis.
- Cancer.
- Convulsions.
- Fever.
- High blood pressure.
- Inability to sleep and to promote sleepiness.
- Liver health.
- Mental health.
- Pain.
- Skin infections.
- Snake bites.
- Stomach and intestinal disorders.
- Weakness.
- Other uses.
Side Effects
Special Precautions and Warnings
Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Rauvolfia vomitoria if you are breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Anxiety: Rauvolfia vomitoria contains a chemical that might make anxiety worse. Use Rauvolfia vomitoria with caution in people with anxiety.
Depression: Rauvolfia vomitoria contains a chemical that might make depression worse. But some early research shows that Rauvolfia vomitoria does not cause or worsen depression. Until more is known, use Rauvolfia vomitoria with caution in people with depression.
Diabetes: Rauvolfia vomitoria might lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use Rauvolfia vomitoria.
Shock therapy (electroconvulsive therapy, ECT): Rauvolfia vomitoria should not be used by people who are receiving ECT. Stop taking Rauvolfia vomitoria at least one week before beginning ECT.
Gall stones: Rauvolfia vomitoria might make gallbladder disease worse.
Stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, or ulcerative colitis: Don't use Rauvolfia vomitoria if you have ever had one of these conditions.
Allergy to reserpine or similar medicines known as rauwolfia alkaloids: Don't take Rauvolfia vomitoria if you are allergic to these medicines.
Low blood pressure: Don't use Rauvolfia vomitoria if you have low blood pressure. Rauvolfia vomitoria might lower blood pressure even further and cause very low levels.
A tumor in the adrenal glands that causes dangerously high blood pressure (pheochromocytoma): Don't use Rauvolfia vomitoria if you have this condition.
Surgery: Rauvolfia vomitoria might affect blood sugar levels, making blood sugar control difficult during and after surgery. Stop using Rauvolfia vomitoria at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions ?
We currently have no information for RAUVOLFIA VOMITORIA overview.
Dosing
Adeniyi, A. A., Brindley, G. S., Pryor, J. P., and Ralph, D. J. Yohimbine in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2007;9(3):403-407. View abstract.
Albus, M., Zahn, T. P., and Breier, A. Anxiogenic properties of yohimbine. I. Behavioral, physiological and biochemical measures. Eur.Arch.Psychiatry Clin.Neurosci. 1992;241(6):337-344. View abstract.
Bagheri, H., Schmitt, L., Berlan, M., and Montastruc, J. L. Effect of 3 weeks treatment with yohimbine on salivary secretion in healthy volunteers and in depressed patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1992;34(6):555-558. View abstract.
Berlin, I., Crespo-Laumonnier, B., Cournot, A., Landault, C., Aubin, F., Legrand, J. C., and Puech, A. J. The alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine inhibits epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. Clin Pharmacol.Ther. 1991;49(4):362-369. View abstract.
Boon, N. A., Elliott, J. M., Grahame-Smith, D. G., John-Green, T., and Stump, K. A comparison of alpha 2-adrenoreceptor binding characteristics of intact human platelets identified by [3H]-yohimbine and [3H]- dihydroergocryptine. J Auton.Pharmacol 1983;3(2):89-95. View abstract.
Braddock, L., Cowen, P. J., Elliott, J. M., Fraser, S., and Stump, K. Binding of yohimbine and imipramine to platelets in depressive illness. Psychol.Med 1986;16(4):765-773. View abstract.
Campbell-Tofte, J. I., Molgaard, P., Josefsen, K., Abdallah, Z., Hansen, S. H., Cornett, C., Mu, H., Richter, E. A., Petersen, H. W., Norregaard, J. C., and Winther, K. Randomized and double-blinded pilot clinical study of the safety and anti-diabetic efficacy of the Rauvolfia-Citrus tea, as used in Nigerian traditional medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 1-27-2011;133(2):402-411. View abstract.
Charney, D. S., Heninger, G. R., and Sternberg, D. E. Assessment of alpha 2 adrenergic autoreceptor function in humans: effects of oral yohimbine. Life Sci 6-7-1982;30(23):2033-2041. View abstract.
Giampreti, A., Lonati, D., Locatelli, C., Rocchi, L., and Campailla, M. T. Acute neurotoxicity after yohimbine ingestion by a body builder. Clin Toxicol.(Phila) 2009;47(8):827-829. View abstract.
Landis, E. and Shore, E. Yohimbine-induced bronchospasm. Chest 1989;96(6):1424. View abstract.
Mann, K., Klingler, T., Noe, S., Roschke, J., Muller, S., and Benkert, O. Effects of yohimbine on sexual experiences and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity in erectile dysfunction. Arch.Sex Behav. 1996;25(1):1-16. View abstract.
Mustonen, P., Savola, J., and Lassila, R. Atipamezole, an imidazoline-type alpha(2)-adrenoceptor inhibitor, binds to human platelets and inhibits their adrenaline-induced aggregation more effectively than yohimbine. Thromb.Res 8-1-2000;99(3):231-237. View abstract.
Myers, A. and Barrueto, F., Jr. Refractory priapism associated with ingestion of yohimbe extract. J Med Toxicol. 2009;5(4):223-225. View abstract.
Riley AJ, Goodman R, Kellett JM, and et al. Double blind trial of yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of erection inadequacy. Sexual Marital Ther 1989;4(1):17-26.
Rowland, D. L., Kallan, K., and Slob, A. K. Yohimbine, erectile capacity, and sexual response in men. Arch Sex Behav 1997;26(1):49-62. View abstract.
Siddiqui, M. A., More-O'Ferrall, D., Hammod, R. S., Baime, R. V., and Staddon, A. P. Agranulocytosis associated with yohimbine use. Arch.Intern.Med 6-10-1996;156(11):1235-1237. View abstract.
Susset, J. G., Tessier, C. D., Wincze, J., Bansal, S., Malhotra, C., and Schwacha, M. G. Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study. J Urol. 1989;141(6):1360-1363. View abstract.
Swann, A. C. Mechanisms of impulsivity in bipolar disorder and related illness. Epidemiol.Psichiatr.Soc. 2010;19(2):120-130. View abstract.
Swann, A. C., Birnbaum, D., Jagar, A. A., Dougherty, D. M., and Moeller, F. G. Acute yohimbine increases laboratory-measured impulsivity in normal subjects. Biol.Psychiatry 5-15-2005;57(10):1209-1211. View abstract.
Amole OO, Yemitan OK, Oshikoya KA. Anticonvulsant activity of Rauvol?a Vomitoria (Afzel). Afr J Pharmacy Pharmacol 2009;3:319-322.
Bemis DL, Capodice JL, Gorroochurn P, et al. Anti-prostate cancer activity of a beta-carboline alkaloid enriched extract from Rauwolfia vomitoria. Int J Oncol 2006;29:1065-73. View abstract.
Bisong S, Brown R, Osim E. Comparative effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria and chlorpromazine on social behaviour and pain. N Am J Med Sci 2011;3:48-54. View abstract.
Bisong SA, Brown R, Osim EE. Comparative effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria and chlorpromazine on locomotor behaviour and anxiety in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2010;132:334-9. View abstract.
Bisong SA, Brown RE, Osim EE. Comparative extrapyramidal effects of Rauwolfia vomitoria, chlorpromazine and reserpine in mice. J Nat Med 2013;67:107-12. View abstract.
Campbell JI, Mortensen A, Mølgaard P. Tissue lipid lowering-effect of a traditional Nigerian anti-diabetic infusion of Rauwolfia vomitoria foilage and Citrus aurantium fruit. J Ethnopharmacol 2006;104:379-86. View abstract.
Chapotin SM, Razanameharizaka JH, Holbrook NM. A biomechanical perspective on the role of large stem volume and high water content in baobab trees (Adansonia spp.; Bombacaceae). Am J Bot 2006;93:1251-64. View abstract.
Ekong MB, Peter AI, Edagha IA, et al. Rauwolfia vomitoria inhibits olfaction and modifies olfactory bulb cells. Brain Res Bull 2016;124:206-13. View abstract.
Eluwa MA, Ekanem TB, Udoh PB, et al. Teratogenic effect of crude ethanolic root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) on nissl substances of albino wistar rat fetuses. Neurosci J 2013;2013:906731. View abstract.
Eluwa MA, Ekanem TB, Udoh PB, et al. Teratogenic effect of crude ethanolic root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) on the femur of albino wistar rat fetuses. J. Histol 2013;1-5.
Eluwa MA, Udoaffah MT, Vulley MB, et al. Comparative study of teratogenic potentials of crude ethanolic root bark and leaf extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria (apocynaceae) on the fetal heart. N Am J Med Sci 2010;2:592-5. View abstract.
Gbolade A. Ethnobotanical study of plants used in treating hypertension in Edo State of Nigeria. J Ethnopharmacol 2012;144:1-10. View abstract.
Health Canada. Five unauthorized products seized from Keebo Sports Supplements in Winnipeg may pose serious health risks. September 30 2016. Available at: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/60456a-eng.php.
Hollander E, McCarley A. Yohimbine treatment of sexual side effects induced by serotonin reuptake blockers. J Clin Psychiatry 1992;53:207-9. View abstract.
Jacobsen FM. Fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction and an open trial of yohimbine. J Clin Psychiatry 1992;53:119-22. View abstract.
Kearney T, Tu N, Haller C. Adverse drug events associated with yohimbine-containing products: a retrospective review of the California Poison Control System reported cases. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:1022-9. View abstract.
Kumar S, Singh A, Bajpai V, Srivastava M, Singh BP, Ojha S, Kumar B. Simultaneous Determination of Bioactive Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids in Ethanolic Extract of Seven Rauvolfia Species using UHPLC with Hybrid Triple Quadrupole Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry. Phytochem Anal. 2016 Sep;27(5):296-303. View abstract.
Lobay D. Rauwolfia in the Treatment of Hypertension. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Jun;14(3):40-6. View abstract.
Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-7. View abstract.
Obembe A, Sokomba EN, Sijuwola OA, et al. Antipsychotic effects and tolerance of crude Rauvolfia vomitoria in Nigerian psychiatric inpatients. Phytotherapy Research. 1994;8(4):218-23.
Perry BD, U'Prichard DC. [3H]rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine): a specific antagonist radioligand for brain alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 1981;76:461-4. View abstract.
Pesewu GA, Cutler RR, Humber DP. Antibacterial activity of plants used in traditional medicines of Ghana with particular reference to MRSA. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;116:102-11. View abstract.
Ruck B, Shih RD, Marcus SM. Hypertensive crisis from herbal treatment of impotence. Am J Emerg Med. 1999;17:317-318.
Sandler B, Aronson P. Yohimbine-induced cutaneous drug eruption, progressive renal failure, and lupus-like syndrome. Urol 1993;41:343-5. View abstract.
Sheldon MB, Kotte JH. Effect of Rauwolfia serpentina and reserpine on the blood pressure in essential hypertension; a long-term double-blind study. Circulation. 1957 Aug;16(2):200-6. View abstract.
Teloken C, Rhoden EL, Sogari P, et al. Therapeutic effects of high dose yohimbine hydrochloride on organic erectile dysfunction. J Urol 1998;159:122-4. View abstract.
Vakil RJ. A clinical trial of Rauwolfia serpentina in essential hypertension. Br Heart J. 1949 Oct;11(4):350-5. View abstract.
VandenBrink, B. M., Foti, R. S., Rock, D. A., Wienkers, L. C., and Wahlstrom, J. L. Prediction of CYP2D6 drug interactions from in vitro data: evidence for substrate-dependent inhibition. Drug Metab Dispos. 2012;40(1):47-53. View abstract.
Wylie KR. Yohimbine and sinusitis. Br J Psychiatry. 1996;169(3):384-5. View abstract.
Young DS. Effects of Drugs on Clinical Laboratory Tests 4th ed. Washington: AACC Press, 1995.
Yu J, Chen Q. Antitumor activities of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract and potentiation of gemcitabine effects against pancreatic cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2014;13:217-25. View abstract.
Yu J, Ma Y, Drisko J, Chen Q. Antitumor activities of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract and potentiation of carboplatin effects against ovarian cancer. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2013;75:8-14. View abstract.