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

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

From Washington Times

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