Madagascar Periwinkle, Jasmine, Cayenne Old Maid Periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

Physical Characteristics

Catharanthus roseus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Butterflies. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Africa - eastern and southern Madagascar.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea A tea is made from the leaves.

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antidiarrhoeal Antiseptic Cancer Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Emetic Hypoglycaemic Hypotensive Laxative Malaria Purgative Skin Stings Vermifuge Madagascar periwinkle has long been used as a traditional medicine. Tests by pharmaceutical companies in the 1950's showed the presence of a number of medically active alkaloids, especially the compound vincristine, which has been shown to have activity against leukaemia[ 238 , 254 , 302 ]. The alkaloids, when isolated from the plant, are highly toxic but have also been shown to reduce the numbers of white blood cells, leading to applications which have revolutionized conventional cancer therapy[ 238 ]. The plant is cultivated as a source of these alkaloids, a number of which are extracted and used allopathically[ 299 ]. The isolated alkaloids are used to treat and other cancers[ 238 ]. The alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine are prescribed in anticancer therapy, particularly in cases of acute leukaemia (especially in children) and Hodgkin's lymphoma. They are usually part of a complex chemotherapy protocol[ 299 ]. Used in isolation, they have a number of side-effects, including alopecia, nausea and bone marrow depression[ 238 ]. The dried root is an industrial source of ajmalicine, which increases the blood flow in the brain and peripheral parts of the body. Preparations of ajmalicine are used to treat the psychological and behavioural problems of senility, sensory problems (dizziness, tinnitus), cranial traumas and their neurological complications[ 299 ]. The leaves and aerial parts of the plant have a wide range of traditional uses. Well known as an oral hypoglycaemic agent, the plant is also considered to be depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, purgative and vermifuge. A decoction is taken to treat hypertension, asthma, menstrual irregularities, chronic constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, dyspepsis, malaria, dengue fever, diabetes, cancer and skin diseases[ 238 , 299 , 348 ]. Extracts prepared from the leaves have been applied externally as antiseptic agents for the healing of wounds; to relieve the effects of wasp stings; against haemorrhage, skin rash and as a mouthwash to treat toothache[ 299 ]. The leaves are harvested when the plant is flowering, and can be dried for later use[ 238 ]. An infusion of the flowers is used to treat mild diabetes[ 348 ]. A decoction of the roots is taken to treat dysmenorrhoea[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested