Reserpine is an indole alkaloid^[2] antipsychotic and antihypertensive drug known to irreversibly bind to storage vesicles of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.^[3] This leads to depletion of the neurotransmitters and subsequent depression in humans.

History

Reserpine was isolated in 1952 from the dried root of Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot),^[4] and introduced in 1954, two years after chlorpromazine.^[5] Reserpine almost irreversibly blocks the accumulation of noradrenaline and dopamine into synaptic vesicles by inhibiting the Vesicular Monoamine Transporters (VMAT). [Schuldiner, S. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1993 (268:1) 29-34]Reseerpine has been discontinued in the UK for some years due to its vast interactions and side effects.

• PubChem Substance Summary: Reserpine National Center for Biotechnology Information.

1.  (Alkaloids) (T-Z) 25 November 2004.

2.   "Indole Alkaloids" Major Types Of Chemical Compounds In Plants & Animals Part II: Phenolic Compounds, Glycosides & Alkaloids. Wayne's Word: An On-Line Textbook of Natural History. 2 May 2005. Accessed 1 September 2005.

3. Forney, Barbara. Reserpine for Veterinary Use Wedgewood Pharmacy. 2001-2002.

4. Rauwolfia Dorlands Medical Dictionary. Merck Source. 2002.

5.  Lopez-Munoz F, Bhatara VS, Alamo C, Cuenca E. "[Historical approach to reserpine discovery and its introduction in psychiatry]" [Article in Spanish] Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2004 Nov-Dec;32(6):387-95. PMID 15529229 Fulltext in English and Spanish