Catharanthus spp.

Related Terms

Apovincamine, Catharanthus alkaloids, Catharanthus roseus, Cavinton?, cezayirmeneksesi (Turkish), common periwinkle, creeping myrtle, cytokinin, deacetylvinblastine, deacetylvinblastine amide, DevincanT, ethyl apovincaminate, ethylene, evergreen, kavinton, lesser periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, myrtle, Oncovin?, pervincamine, Rgh-4405, rose periwinkle, small periwinkle, Tcv-3B, terpenoid indole alkaloids, vinblastine, vinca alkaloids, Vinca balcanica, Vinca difformis, Vinca heracea, Vinca major, Vinca minor, Vincae minoris herba, vincamine, vincapervinc, vincristine, vincristine-vinblastine, vindesine, vinorelbin, vinorelbine, vinpocetin, vinpocetine, vinRx, vintoperol, wintergreen.
Note: The use of periwinkle as a dietary supplement is not recommended, because it contains pharmacologically active vinca alkaloids, which may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nerves, as well as death.

Background

Periwinkle (Vinca spp.) and Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus spp.) are both members of the Apocynaceae family. Madagascar periwinkle was formerly classified as a Vinca species (Vinca rosa) but is now classified as a separate species. The two are similar in appearance and are both commonly referred to as "myrtle."
Lesser periwinkle is commonly cultivated for use as ornamental ground cover, though it is considered an invasive weed in some areas of North America and Australia. Madagascar periwinkle is also commonly used as an ornamental plant but thrives only in a subtropical environment where temperatures do not fall below 41?F (5?C).
Both species produce alkaloids that have been studied and used as a treatment for treatment of a wide variety of conditions, including diabetes, cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), and stroke.
The use of periwinkle as a dietary supplement is not recommended, because it contains vinca alkaloids, which may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nerves, as well as death.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Although this has not been well studied in humans, the anticancer potential for Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthusroseus) extract has been recognized, and several bioactive alkaloids have been identified and are currently under investigation for cancer treatment.

 C


Although this has not been well studied in humans, the anticancer potential for Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthusroseus) extract has been recognized, and several bioactive alkaloids have been identified and are currently under investigation for cancer treatment.

 C


Periwinkle and compounds found in periwinkle have been used to promote brain health and function. Further research is required.

 C


Periwinkle and compounds found in periwinkle have been used to promote brain health and function. Further research is required.

 C


Although this has not been well studied in humans, the anticancer potential for Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthusroseus) extract has been recognized, and several bioactive alkaloids have been identified and are currently under investigation for treatment of Hodgkin's disease.

 C


Although this has not been well studied in humans, the anticancer potential for Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthusroseus) extract has been recognized, and several bioactive alkaloids have been identified and are currently under investigation for treatment of Hodgkin's disease.

 C


Compounds found in periwinkle have been found to be useful in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). However, studies with the periwinkle plant are lacking. Additional research is needed.

 C


Compounds found in periwinkle have been found to be useful in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). However, studies with the periwinkle plant are lacking. Additional research is needed.

 C


Compounds found in periwinkle have been found to dilate the blood vessels and decrease blood clotting. Thus, they may be of interest as potential treatments for stroke. Additional research is needed.

 C


Compounds found in periwinkle have been found to dilate the blood vessels and decrease blood clotting. Thus, they may be of interest as potential treatments for stroke. Additional research is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For acute phase of stroke, 60 milligrams of pervincamine (a compound in periwinkle), infused in the vein, has been used daily for five days.
For dementia, 30 milligrams of vincamine (a compound in periwinkle) has been taken by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Periwinkle may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Periwinkle may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Periwinkle may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Periwinkle may also interact with agents that suppress the immune system, anticancer agents, antidepressant agents, agents that are toxic to the liver, and blood vessel dilating agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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