Q.Name the alkaloid obtained from Sarpagandha and state its principal medicinal use.

Medicinal plants yield phytochemicals (chiefly alkaloids) used as drugs. Key examples in the Assam syllabus are Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) — its root alkaloid reserpine treats high blood pressure; Neem (Azadirachta indica) — azadirachtin, antimicrobial and a biopesticide; and Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) — eugenol, antimicrobial. Cinchona (quinine, antimalarial) and Atropa (atropine) are cited as example alkaloid plants but are not grown in Assam.