Common Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Vinca minor, commonly known as lesser periwinkle, is a traditional medicinal plant native to Europe and western Asia. Its use in traditional medicine is not well-documented; however, it has been employed for ornamental purposes and in some folk remedies. Scientific evidence suggests that the plant's vincamine may help attenuate alcoholic liver injury by modulating the CDK1-glycolysis-NLRP3 axis. Additionally, a Bacillus strain isolated from Vinca minor exhibits antagonistic activity against Fusarium species and promotes cucumber growth. Heat tolerance studies indicate that dark and light purple flowers have slightly higher thermal stability but still possess narrower safety margins compared to white flowers. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions are recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Dark and light purple Vinca minor flowers showed slightly higher heat tolerance but still had narrower thermal safety margins compared to white flowers.
- This study identifies key enzymes responsible for C16 stereochemistry in sarpagan and akuammiline alkaloid biosynthesis across several plant species.
- The study developed a primer design workflow using mbc-prime to selectively amplify endophytic fungi from Vinca minor samples, reducing host DNA amplification.
- Vinca minor's vincamine attenuates alcoholic liver injury by modulating a CDK1-glycolysis-NLRP3 axis.
- The study found that the Bacillus strain Kol B9, isolated from Vinca minor, showed strong antagonistic activity against Fusarium spp., promoted cucumber growth, and reduced Fusarium infection effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Periwinkle?
Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Periwinkle?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Common Periwinkle; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Dark and light purple Vinca minor flowers showed slightly higher heat tolerance but still had narrower thermal safety margins compared to white flowers.
How strong is the evidence for Common Periwinkle?
The strongest finding for Common Periwinkle carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Periwinkle safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Periwinkle in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Periwinkle interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Periwinkle in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Periwinkle?
Common Periwinkle is also known as: Барвинок малый, Petite pervenche.
Is Common Periwinkle 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 Stereochemical insights into sarpagan and akuammiline alkaloid biosynthesis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A discriminative primer design workflow enables selective metabarcoding, demonstrated using long-read sequencing of endophytic fungi. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Biosurfactant-producing Bacillus spp. suppress Fusarium via fungal membrane disruption and promote cucumber growth. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Thermal regulation of flowers: color-driven differences in radiation absorption, cooling, and heat tolerance. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Vincamine attenuates alcoholic liver injury through modulation of a CDK1-glycolysis-NLRP3 immunometabolic axis. literature abstract metadata