Rauvolfia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants are known for their medicinal properties, particularly the presence of alkaloids, which have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including hypertension. One of the most notable species is Rauvolfia serpentina, commonly known as Indian snakeroot. This plant has been historically significant in Ayurvedic medicine and is recognized for its potential effects on the nervous system, making it a subject of interest in pharmacology and herbal medicine.