Ajmaline

Abstract

So far, a total of 91 alkaloids were separated from Rauwolfia, and identification of the chemical structures was obtained. Among them, reserpine, ajmaline, and yohimbine have been researched plentifully and thoroughly. Ajmaline, mainly as the class Ia anti-arrhythmic drug, could cause severe hypotension or worsen arrhythmia, so currently ajmaline is almost not applicable in clinic. Many compounds derived from Rauwolfia plants have significant and distinct pharmacological effects, just like reserpine as an antihypertensive drug, ajmaline as an anti-arrhythmic drug, and yohimbine as an adrenergic α2 receptor antagonist. In the foreseeable future, a systematic research on the Rauwolfia and its active ingredients will take on an important significance.