Madagascar Periwinkle Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Madagascar periwinkle is the Catharanthus roseus plant. Native to Madagascar, this periwinkle plant produces flowers that range from light pink to red to purple. Both the leaves and flowers of the Madagascar periwinkle are used in herbal medicine.^1,2

Madagascar Periwinkle Health Uses and Health Benefits

Madagascar periwinkle contains two unique compounds called vinblastine and vincristine, which are used in chemotherapy medications that treat a variety of cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. Madagascar periwinkle has also shown to have anti-diabetic properties. Traditionally, Madagascar periwinkle has had other uses such as treatment for sore throat, cough and congestion. Madagascar periwinkle has also been used topically for insect bites, wasp stings and other types of skin inflammation.^2,3

References

1. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a569
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-637/madagascar-periwinkle
3. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180503142809.htm