Catharanthus roseus
·
Apocynaceae
·
Madagascar

Madagascar Periwinkle

Rose periwinkle, Vinca, Old Maid, Bright Eyes

Useful parts

Whole plant (source of alkaloids)

Key actions

Antimitotic, Chemotherapeutic

Active compounds

Vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine)

This Site is for Educational Use Only: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

Possible Proposed Uses

  • Hodgkin’s disease
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Neuroblastoma

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits mitosis
  • Causes cancer cell death

Possible Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Hair loss
  • Hearing loss
  • Seizure
  • Liver damage
  • Death (toxic)

Possible Drug Interactions

  • Diuretics
  • Anticoagulants
  • Diabetes medications
  • Extremely toxic plant

Abigail's notes

A little somethin' somethin' coming soon.

Personal notes, research rabbit holes, and why this plant earned a spot in the cabinet. Check back as the database grows.

Last updated on:
May 15, 2026

Deeper research options for you (because I would never ask you to just take my word for it)

Know the Medicinal Herb: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea)

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4170313/

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/learning/trails/medicines/madagascar-periwinkle-catharanthus-roseus/

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

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34562562/

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No provider-patient relationship is created by use of this site. The author makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of plants or remedies described herein.

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