28
Catharanthus roseus (L.)
G. Don
Synonym : Vinca rosea L.
Family
: Apocynaceae
Local Names
: Nithyakallyani, Ushamalari, Rose periwinkle
Flowering and fruiting period: August-January
Distribution: Native of Madagascar; now
naturalised in the tropics
Habitat: Grown as ornamental plants also
naturalised
IUCN status: Data Deficient
Endemic:
No
Uses: Madagascar periwinkle has long
been used as a traditional medicine. The plant is cultivated as a source of
alkaloids, a number of which are extracted and used allopathically. The
alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine are prescribed in anticancer therapy,
particularly in cases of acute leukaemia (especially in children) and Hodgkin's
lymphoma. The dried root is an industrial source of ajmalicine, which increases
the blood flow in the brain and peripheral parts of the body. Preparations of
ajmalicine are used to treat the psychological and behavioural problems of
senility, sensory problems, cranial traumas.
Key Characters: Perennial woody herbs; young stems, leaves and calyx
puberulous. Leavs simple, opposite, decussate. Flowers axillary, solitary or
paired, shortly pedicellate. Calyx-lobes 5, subequal. Corolla pink or white;
lobes 5, triangular-obovate, obtuse. Stamens 5, included. Follicles 2-3 x
0.2-0.3 cm, linear, puberulous; seeds many, black.
