The duty of professional agriculturists

Abstract

The article deals with the scientific history of Rauvolfia serpentina and the other important species R. canescens (syn. R. tetraphylla) found in India. The botany, distribution, and origin of the plant are also mentioned. The folklore uses of the plant for snakebite and for treating maniacs along with its use by Mahatma Gandhi are elaborated. The entry of Rauvolfia into the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and also in the modern system of medicine is discussed. The etymology and philology of the commonly used Sanskrit names are discussed. The main chemical constituents, cultivation of the plant, its total demand within the country, and the conservation efforts along with its present ..