Madagascar periwinkles
Catharanthus
Catharanthus roseus is a flowering plant used in various traditional medicinal practices. It has been applied to address hyperglycemia, hypertension, malaria, bee and wasp stings, and as an eye wash. Scientific studies have observed that certain extracts may promote wound healing in diabetic mouse models and have identified indole alkaloids with potential anti-ferroptotic activity in cardiomyocytes. Research also indicates that extracts can produce dose-dependent responses in rice seeds. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- hyperglycemia · hypertension
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- hyperglycemia
- hypertension
- malaria
- bee and wasp stings
- eye wash
What the science says
- Silencing CrLHP1 increased catharanthine accumulation and upregulated JA-responsive and MIA biosynthetic genes in Catharanthus roseus.
- Catharanthus roseus produced 12 novel indole alkaloids, some of which showed anti-ferroptotic activity in cardiomyocytes.
- The study found that a 1.5% Catharanthus roseus extract-infused silk fibroin hydrogel promoted faster wound healing in diabetic mouse models compared to control.
- The study found genotype-specific and dose-dependent responses in rice following seed soaking with antimitotic extracts from Gloriosa superba, Catharanthus roseus, and Elephantopus scaber.
- The study identified several potential epitopes in MERS-CoV spike protein and found that compounds from Catharanthus roseus showed promising binding affinity, suggesting possible antiviral activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Madagascar periwinkles?
Madagascar periwinkles (Catharanthus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Madagascar periwinkles traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Madagascar periwinkles for: hyperglycemia, hypertension, malaria, bee and wasp stings, eye wash. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Madagascar periwinkles?
Madagascar periwinkles appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Madagascar periwinkles?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Madagascar periwinkles; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Silencing CrLHP1 increased catharanthine accumulation and upregulated JA-responsive and MIA biosynthetic genes in Catharanthus roseus.
How strong is the evidence for Madagascar periwinkles?
The strongest finding for Madagascar periwinkles carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Madagascar periwinkles safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Madagascar periwinkles in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Madagascar periwinkles interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Madagascar periwinkles in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Madagascar periwinkles?
Madagascar periwinkles is also known as: Катарантус, Catharanthe.
Is Madagascar periwinkles a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Discovery of Quebrachamine-like Indole Alkaloids with Ferroptosis Inhibitory Activity from Catharanthus roseus Using HSQC-Based DeepSAT. literature abstract metadata
- T2 CrLHP1-CrJAZ1 Module Regulates Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloid Biosynthesis via JA Signaling in Catharanthus roseus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Immunoinformatics-based epitope prediction in MERS-CoV and docking analysis of Catharanthus roseus compounds for drug discovery. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Agronomic responses of rice to putative polyploid-inducing plant extracts: a screening study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Vinca Extract Infused Silk Fibroin Hydrogel for Treatment of Artificially Induced Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Murine Model. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Catharanthus CC BY-SA 4.0