Snakewood

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

Java Devil's Pepper; Rauvolfia serpentina; Rauwolfia serpentia

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

The snakewood, also known as Rauvolfia serpentia, is a plant within the dog poison family (Apocynaceae). However, the snakewood is not identical to the grape silver candle known as American -, black - or wild snake root. Their original home is in India. From there, the distribution area has expanded to Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Exporting the plant from India has been prohibited since 1997.

Cosmetics: In cosmetic formulations root extracts of the plant are used under the INCI designation"Rauwolfia serpentina (root) extract". These have a calming, skin-caring and astringent effect.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles