Botanical Overview
Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar periwinkle or rosy periwinkle, belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Native to Madagascar, it is now cultivated widely in tropical regions including Asia and the Americas. The parts used medicinally include the leaf, stem, and whole plant. It is well known for its potent alkaloid content used in modern oncology.
Energetics
This herb is traditionally considered to have a cooling temperature and drying moisture, predominantly bitter in taste, with a descending energetic direction. It possesses relaxing tonicity within its action profile.
Primary Actions
- Antineoplastic
- Hypoglycemic
- Vasoconstrictor
Indications
Western
- High blood sugar
- Hypertension
- Cancer-related symptoms
Syndromes
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Leukemia
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Breast cancer
Ayurveda
- Diabetes symptoms
Syndromes
- Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus)
TCM
No well-documented traditional uses noted.
Unani
No well-documented traditional uses noted.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Rich in alkaloids including vinblastine, vincristine, vindoline, and ajmalicine, these compounds are responsible for antineoplastic and hypoglycemic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Leaf decoction 10-20 g, twice daily
- Pharmaceutical vinblastine and vincristine preparations dosed according to clinical protocols
Safety & Contraindications
Caution is necessary due to the plant’s toxicity and interaction potential. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation and should be avoided by patients undergoing chemotherapy unless under specialist supervision.
Astrological Correspondences
No confirmed planetary or elemental rulers documented with sufficient authority.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of the World – Chemical Constituents, Traditional and Modern Medicinal Uses
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Catharanthus roseus – Gupta et al., 2014
- Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 2016