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Canescin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Canescin - General Information

Canescin is an ester alkaloid drug isolated from Rauwolfia canescens (family Apocynaceae) with antipsychotic and antihypertensive properties that has been used for the control of high blood pressure and for the relief of psychotic behavior.

 

Pharmacology of Canescin

Canescin, an alkaloid of Rauwolfia canescens, is used as an antihypertensive. Rauwolfia alkaloids work by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. As a result, they act on the heart and blood vessels to lower blood pressure.

 

Canescin for patients

 

Canescin Interactions

Taking a rauwolfia alkaloid while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking MAO inhibitors may increase the risk of central nervous system depression or may cause a severe high blood pressure reaction.

 

Canescin Contraindications

Contraindicated in ulcerative colitis (rauwolfia alkaloids increase activity of the stomach, which may make the condition worse), heart disease, (rauwolfia alkaloids can cause heart rhythm problems or slow heartbeat), kidney disease (some patients may not do well when blood pressure is lowered by rauwolfia alkaloids), mental depression (rauwolfia alkaloids cause mental depression), and Parkinson's disease (rauwolfia alkaloids can cause parkinsonism-like effects).

 

Additional information about Canescin

Canescin Indication

For the treatment of hypertension.

Mechanism Of Action
Canescin binds to and inhibits the angiotensin converting enzyme. Canescin competes with angiotensin I for binding at the angiotensin-converting enzyme, blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Inhibition of ACE results in decreased plasma angiotensin II. As angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor and a negative-feedback mediator for renin activity, lower concentrations result in a decrease in blood pressure and stimulation of baroreceptor reflex mechanisms, which leads to decreased vasopressor activity and to decreased aldosterone secretion.
Generic Name
Deserpidine
Synonyms
Deserpidina [INN-Spanish]; Deserpidinum [INN-Latin]; Deserpidin; Desepridine; Deresperine; Deserpine; Desmethoxyreserpine
Drug Category
Antihypertensive Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Deserpidine
Aescin; Canescin; Canescine; Enduronyl; Harmonyl; Raunorine; Raunormin; Raunormine; Recanescin; Recanescine; Reserpidine; Tranquinil; beta-Escin;
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of overdose include dizziness or drowsiness (severe), flushing of skin, pinpoint pupils of eyes and slowed pulse.
Chemical Formula
C32H38N2O8
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals