Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), sometimes referred to as the “ever-blooming blossom,” has made a name for itself in both traditional and modern medicine. The plant, also known by its colloquial names, Madagascar periwinkle in English, Nayantara in Bengali, Ushamalari in Malayalam, and Sadapushpa in Hindi, has been shown to have numerous health benefits.
Catharanthus roseus is one such herb that is widely accessible and has a stellar reputation in traditional medicine. The plant alkaloids ease muscle tension, lower blood pressure, have sedative and anti-cancer properties, and have additional health advantages.
Description
Flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, and phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, vincardine, etc. are abundant in sadabahar leaves and flower petals. The following table lists the nutritional elements of sadabahar leaves.
Botanical Name:
Catharanthus roseus
Family:
Apocyanaceae
Leaves:
The glossy green, oval to oblong leaves of the Madagascar periwinkle have complete margins and pointy points. They have a short petiole and are paired in opposition to one another along the stem.
Flowers:
The blossoms of the Madagascar periwinkle are arguably its most alluring feature. A single, center bloom emerges from each leaf axil, which is the higher angle connecting the leaf and the stem. They are available in a variety of white, pink, and mauve hues. The corolla, or petals, of the flowers is recognizable for having five lobes, with a long, thin tube in the center. The lobes are the source of the vivid hues, whereas the floral tube is often greenish in color.
Stems:
The stems are cylindrical, thin, and have a greenish-reddish hue. When they are young, they may have a slightly fuzzy texture, and they can grow up to one meter tall.
Fruit:
The Madagascar periwinkle produces two thin follicles after flowering, which split open to release the seeds when they are ripe.
Roots:
A network of tiny roots makes up the fibrous root system of the Madagascar periwinkle, which aids in the plant’s absorption of nutrients and water from the soil.
Habitat:
Found in California’s southern coast and desert regions, Catharanthus roseus, often known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a herb (family Apocynaceae) with pink blooms and oval-shaped leaves. It is indigenous to Madagascar. It prefers the habitat of dunes, grasslands, and chaparral and scrub.
Parts Used:
- Leaves
- Root
Chemical Constituents
Chemical components: A significant number of indole alkaloids, primarily vincristine and vinblastine, are found in vinca. As chemical compounds, vinca also contains additional alkaloids as ajmalicine, serpentine, and lochnerine. Vinca alkaloids are created when indole alkaloids, such catharanthine and vindoline, couple together.
Common names
Periwinkle, Cape periwinkle, Vinca, Rosy periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, Old maid, etc
Other Language Names of Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
French nam – Vinca rose de Madagascar, Pervenche de Madagascar
Portuguese name – Vinca-de-madagascar, Bela-de-madagascar
Hindi name – Sadabahar
Chinese name – Catharanthus roseus
Spanish name – Vincapervinca de Madagascar, Beleza-de-madagascar
German name – Rosentiechen, Madagaskarwinde
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta |
| Superdivision | Spermatophyta |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Catharanthus |
| Species | Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don |
Ayurvedic Properties
Taste – Bitter, Astringent
Qualities – Light,Dry and Sharp
Potency – Hot
Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Uses
- It is used to treat wasp stings because of its ability to detoxify and neutralize venom.
- The Sadabahar plant’s alkaloids boost the amount of oxygen in the brain and aid in bettering blood flow to the brain.
- It helps with the treatment of dysentery,
- Its leaves contain the alkaloid vincamine, which has the ability to thin blood and improve memory. As a result, it helps avoid dementia, particularly vascular dementia.
- Additionally, the alkaloids have sedative and tranquilizing effects.
Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Benefits
Assists in restoring cognitive function:
Everyone wants a little assistance these days in keeping their brains functioning properly. It turns out that since Ayurveda has long employed sadabahar to nourish the brain.
Diabetes:
Sadabahar’s superior hypoglycemic ability is a major factor in lowering blood sugar. When this flower extract is taken, the β-pancreatic cells start producing insulin. Low blood glucose levels are caused by reducing the conversion of starch to glucose.
Respiratory Anomalies:
An excellent ayurvedic treatment for a variety of illnesses that aggravate Kapha is Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus). The majority of the flower’s medicinal ingredients provide an excellent treatment for respiratory conditions like COPD, bronchitis, asthma, coughing, and cold symptoms. It also relieves congestion, coughing, and sore throats in addition to clearing mucus buildup in the respiratory system.
Augments Skin Health
Periwinkle is essential in treating oxidative free radical damage caused by sun exposure, which in turn heals aging indications such as wrinkles, fine lines, spots, dark circles, and so on. Additionally, it works wonders for skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, effectively reduces acne and pimples, and leaves behind smooth, radiant skin.
Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Side Effect
When taken by mouth:
Periwinkle poses a risk. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms related to the stomach and intestines may occur. Additionally, it may harm the liver, kidneys, and nerves. Excessive doses can result in extremely low blood pressure.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
Periwinkle poses a risk. Use it not at all.
Low blood pressure:
Blood pressure can be lowered with periwinkle. Using periwinkle can cause your blood pressure to drop too low if it’s already low. Use it not at all.
Surgery:
Blood pressure can drop with periwinkle. The possibility that it could affect blood pressure regulation both before and after surgery is a worry. At least two weeks before to a planned surgery, stop using periwinkle.
Conclusion
This amazing flower has been used for its many health advantages from the beginning of time. In addition to being used as decoration, it has become extremely popular in ayurvedic and modern medicine for its ability to control hypertension, improve skin health, and treat respiratory conditions, control diabetes, and many other conditions. When taken in line with a doctor’s recommendation, one can take advantage of this colorful flower’s many applications.
FAQS
What adverse consequences does Madagascar periwinkle have?
It is absolutely encouraged to visit a doctor and take necessary precautions if you plan to introduce this herb to your diet, as there are no trustworthy safety data regarding its usage during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What is Madagascar periwinkle used for?
Vinblastine, vincristine, and vinorelbine are anti-cancer medications that can be obtained from Madagascar periwinkle. Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine employ Madagascar periwinkle and other Catharanthus species as remedies for leukemia, diabetes, and hypertension.
Does periwinkle benefit the skin?
Periwinkle Liquid Extract, rich in antioxidant alkaloids, has astringent and calming qualities that help cleanse and balance the skin while also giving it a gentle, nurturing touch. This extract is often added to skin-brightening formulas to intensify the luminosity.
Does diabetes benefit from periwinkle leaves?
Periwinkle sometimes referred to as vinca rosea or periwinkle is a well-liked Ayurvedic plant that has been used for millennia to cure a wide range of conditions, including diabetes. The plant has become more well-known in the medical field in recent years due to its ability to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels.