Madagascar periwinkle - Medicinal Plants : Medicinal Plants

The scientific name of Madagascar periwinkle- Catharanthus roseus

Name of Madagascar periwinkle in different languages:-

English: Cape Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle, Rosy Periwinkle

Sanskrit: Ushamalry, Nithyakalyani

Hindi: Sadabahar सदाबहार

Malayalam: Nithyakalyani-നിത്യകല്യാണി, Shavakkottappacha- ശവക്കോട്ടപ്പച്ച, Ushamalari- ഉഷമലരി, Adam-Hawa chedi

Tamil: Nithyakalyani – நித்திய_கல்யாணி

Plant description:-

Madagascar periwinkle or Adam Hawa chedi (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen shrub or herbaceous plant, which grows up to 1 m tall. Leaves are glossy green, ovate-oblong, oppositely arranged, flowers are white to red, and five petals; the basal tube is 2.5 to 3 cm long and a corolla is 2 to 5 cm in diameter. Fruits are pairs of follicles 2 to 3.5 cm long and 2.5 mm wide; seeds are brown and small and contain 10-15 capsules. The roots and shoots are the useful plant parts. This is a toxic plant.

Useful plant parts:

Leaf, root, the whole plant

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-ovate-oblong	Margin-Entire	Venation-Pinnate

Medicinal uses:

To treat cancer, especially in leukemia treatment (Chemotherapy medicine) (vinblastine and vincristine), blood pressure, diabetes, pita, Kapha.

Chemical content:

Rosinidin, Vinca alkaloid, Ajmaclin, Alkaloids such as vinblastine, vindoline & vincristine.

How to prepare medicines:

It is a toxic plant, It is used in the preparation of cancer medicine.

Ayurveda medicinal uses of Madagascar Periwinkle

Diabetes Management: Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Blood Pressure: Supports cardiovascular health and manages blood pressure.
Antimicrobial: Fights infections due to its antibacterial properties.
Cancer Treatment Support: Contains compounds used in cancer treatments.
Menstrual Disorders: Aids in managing irregular menstrual cycles.
Anti-inflammatory: Alleviates inflammation and related conditions.
Digestive Health: Supports digestion and relieves gastrointestinal discomfort.
Skin Conditions: Treats skin disorders like eczema and dermatitis.
Mental Health: Traditionally used for calming effects on the mind.
Diuretic: Promotes urine flow, aiding in detoxification.

Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for proper dosage and guidance, as Madagascar Periwinkle should be used with care.

learn more:-http://www.livingrainforest.org/about-rainforests/anti-cancer-rosy-periwinkle/