Geographical variation of total alkaloid and reserpine content in Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex. Kurz

Twenty five populations of Rauwolfia serpentina collected from different states of India were subjected to spectrophotometric and high performance liquid chromatography analyses to study magnitude of variation in total alkaloid and reserpine in roots. Significant variations in the content of total alkaloid (4.82–2.51 %) and reserpine (0.083–0.040 %) have been recorded. The total alkaloid content in root was found maximum (4.82 %) in population belongs to Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and minimum (2.51 %) in Palode (Kerala) with a mean value of 3.34 %. The reserpine content in root was found maximum (0.083 %) in population belongs to Karkad and minimum (0.040) in Mollem, both from Goa with a mean value of 0.06 %. It was suggested to use the present material in breeding and commercial cultivation for maximum economic gain.