Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Catharanthus roseus
- Vinca rosea
- Lochnera rosea
Common Names
- Madagascar Periwinkle
- Bright Eyes
- Cape Periwinkle
- Graveyard Plant
- Old Maid
- Pink Periwinkle
- Rose Periwinkle
Parts Usually Used
The parts that grow above ground and the root are used medicinally. The leaves, stems, and flowers contain important medicinal compounds.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
An evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant growing 1m tall. Has oval to oblong leaves 2.5-9cm long, glossy green and hairless. Flowers range from white with yellow/red center to dark pink with darker red center, with a 2.5-3cm tube and 2-5cm diameter corolla with five petal-like lobes. Fruit is a pair of follicles 2-4cm long. Plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
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Where Found
Native and endemic to Madagascar but now has a pantropical distribution. Widely cultivated and naturalized in subtropical and tropical areas including Australia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the United States.
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Medicinal Properties
Contains potent anti-cancer compounds vinblastine and vincristine used in chemotherapy. Has demonstrated antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypotensive properties.
Studies have shown effectiveness in treating various cancers including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer and other malignancies through multiple mechanisms including disruption of cell division.
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Biochemical Information
Contains over 70 different indole alkaloids including the important anti-cancer compounds vinblastine and vincristine. Also contains other alkaloids like vindoline, catharanthine, and ajmalicine, along with tannins, flavonoids and other compounds.
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Uses
Traditional and modern uses include:
- Treatment of various cancers
- Management of diabetes
- Treatment of high blood pressure
- Treatment of sore throat and cough
- Healing of skin infections and wounds
- Management of eye inflammation
- Treatment of lung congestion
- Relief from menstrual problems
- Treatment of insect bites
Formulas or Dosages
Due to toxicity concerns, raw plant material should not be used for self-medication. Purified compounds like vinblastine and vincristine are only administered under medical supervision for cancer treatment. No standardized safe dosing exists for traditional preparations.
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Warning
Madagascar periwinkle is considered LIKELY UNSAFE for self-medication when taken orally due to toxic vinca alkaloids. Side effects can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Hearing problems
- Dizziness
- Nerve problems
- Liver damage
- Low blood sugar
- Risk of miscarriage in pregnancy
- Dangerous interactions with diabetes medications
- Can be fatal if misused
Resource Links
African Medicinal Plants Advancing Cancer Treatment and Management Strategies
WebMD – Madagascar Periwinkle – Uses, Side Effects, and More
ScienceDirect – Pharmacological significance of Catharanthus roseus in cancer management: A review
National Library of Medicine – Know the Medicinal Herb: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea)
NC State Extension – Catharanthus roseus
Wikipedia – Catharanthus roseus
