Synthetic approaches toward the reserpine

Abstract

Reserpine is an indole alkaloid, antipsychotic, and antihypertensive drug that has been used for the control of high blood pressure and for the relief of psychotic symptoms. It was first isolated in 1952 from the dried root of Rauwolfia serpentina whose molecular structure was established in 1953 and natural configuration was published in 1955. The first total synthesis of reserpine was reported by Woodward in 1958. This review article updates current multistep synthetic approaches toward the reserpine natural product and its analogues.