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The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

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Madagascar Periwinkle

Scientific Names

Madagascar Periwinkle

  • Catharanthus roseus
  • Vinca rosea
  • Lochnera rosea

Common Names

  • Madagascar Periwinkle
  • Bright Eyes
  • Cape Periwinkle
  • Graveyard Plant
  • Old Maid
  • Pink Periwinkle
  • Rose Periwinkle

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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

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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

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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 – Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don: A review of its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and toxicities

National Library of Medicine – Know the Medicinal Herb: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea)

NC State Extension – Catharanthus roseus

Wikipedia – Catharanthus roseus

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