Used for centuries in India to treat snakebite because of the snakelike appearance of root. Named and identified in eighteenth century. In 1930's, Indian chemists isolated molecules, relatively inactive. Another student showed powder had hypnotic effect and lowered blood pressure. In 1949 two chemists at CIBA in Basel isolated reserpine and found it had strong activity.
Blocks neurotransmitter, acts on hypothalamus.
The bark of the willow has long been used as a pain reliever by Greeks as well as native Americans - independent discoveries. Important plant in Gerard's herbal. Early studies by Rev Edmund Stone found the bark was good for fever and chills. Lead to the lab synthesis of salicylic acid. Used to treat malaria.