Rauwolfia serpentina in the Treatment of Angina Pectoris

Abstract

Fifteen subjects with coronary artery disease and angina pectoris were given alternate courses of the alseroxylon fraction of Ratiwolfia serpentina and placebo. Fourteen CASE MATERIAL There were 13 men and 2 women in the study group (table 1). Their mean age was 59 years. As a group, they had experienced frequent, severe anginal attacks for an average period of 26 months. Four subjects had historical and electrocardiographic evidence of previous myocardial infarction that had occurred at a mean time of 27 months before admission. Ten subjects presented abnormal electrocardiograms, 9 of whom also had abnormal ballistocardiograms.2 Of the 5 with normal admission tracings, there were 4 with positive 2-step exercise tests3 and 3 with abnormal ballistocardiograms. The fifth subject, who had a negative 2-step test, showed ballistocardiographic abnormalities. Seven subjects gave a history of arterial hypertension and had entrance blood pressures in excess of 150/100 mm. Hg.