Nature's Pharmacy: Ancient Knowledge, Modern Medicine
Periwinkle (vincristine)
Catharanthus roseus
Madagascar periwinkle
Name, Habitat and Appearance
Periwinkle is a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The periwinkle is believed to be a native of the West Indies and Madagascar. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant throughout the tropical and subtropical world. It is an erect, bushy perennial herb, averaging 1 to 2 feet in height, cloaked in glossy, dark green leaves up to 2 inches long. Flowers are borne all year and are white with a yellow eye, white with a crimson eye, or lavender-pink with a crimson eye.
History
Traditional healers used Madagascar periwinkle for many purposes. In India, the juice of the leaves was used to treat wasp stings. Hawaiians made an extract of the boiled plant that was used to arrest bleeding. Central and South American natives used Madagascar periwinkle as a gargle to ease sore throats and respiratory ailments; and Caribbean Islanders still use an extract of the flowers as an eyewash.
Although it is a native to the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, the Madagascar periwinkle is extensively cultivated and has become naturalized in many warm regions of the world, including the southern United States.
Historical Uses
- To treat diabetes, fevers, and malaria
- To regulate menstrual cycles
- To ease excessive menstrual bleeding
- As a euphoriant (feeling of well-being)
Warnings
When used as chemotherapy, the vincristine and vinblastine alkaloids produce side effects of nausea and hair loss.
Modern Medicinal Uses
In the 1950s researchers began to study the plant after learning that a tea made from periwinkle was being used to treat diabetes in Jamaica. They found that Madagascar periwinkle contains two anticancer alkaloids-vincristine and vinblastine-that inhibit the growth of tumors. Vincristine is most effective in treating childhood leukemia. Vinblastine is used in treating testicular cancer and Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymphatic system). The Madagascar periwinkle has been found to contain more than seventy known alkaloid agents, some of which are medically effective for reducing blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
The photograph of periwinkle used in the exhibit.
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