reserpine

noun

re·​ser·​pine ri-ˈsər-ˌpēn 

-pən

: an alkaloid C₃₃H₄₀N₂O₉ that is extracted especially from the root of rauwolfias and is used chiefly in the treatment of hypertension and sometimes in the treatment of agitation associated with mental illness (such as schizophrenia)

Examples of reserpine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Drugs that may cause a problem include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chlorpromazine, reserpine, and tricyclic antidepressants. —Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024

But there was only one clinical trial to compare reserpine to a placebo with depressed patients. —Carlin Flora, Discover Magazine, 8 June 2010

Others include reserpine, an anti-hypertensive and rimonabant, a weight-loss drug (it got banned for this reason). —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 17 May 2011

Word History

Etymology

German Reserpin, probably irregular from New Latin Rauwolfia serpentina, a species of rauwolfia

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

reserpine

noun

re·​ser·​pine

ri-ˈsər-ˌpēn also ˈres-ər-pən

: an alkaloid C₃₃H₄₀N₂O₉ extracted especially from the root of rauwolfias and used in the treatment of hypertension, mental illness, and tension states see raudixin, sandril, serpasil