NCIt definition : An ester alkaloid derived from Rauwolfia canescens with antihypertensive activity.
Deserpidine is a competitive inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).
By competing with angiotensin I for ACE, deserpidine blocks the conversion of angiotensin
I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. Reduced level of serum angiotensin
II causes a decrease in blood pressure. Deserpidine also decreases angiotensin II-induced
aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex.;