Catharanthus

BOTANICAL NAME: Catharanthus roseus periwinkle

FAMILY: Apocynaceae

SYNONYMS:

ENGLISH: Annual vinca,

HINDI: kaitharainthas roziyas

TAMIL: Catharanthus roseus

TELUGU: billa ganneru

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS:

v Alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids.

v  Linolenic acid ethyl ester (43.9 %), stearic acid (10.6 %), phytol (7.3 %) and hexadecanoic acid (6.8 %).  

USES:

v The plant contains alkaloids like vincristine and vinblastine, which are used in the treatment of various cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. These compounds are essential in chemotherapy regimens.

v Extracts from the plant are studied for their potential to help manage blood sugar levels, making them of interest in diabetes research.

v The plant has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties to treat infections and wounds.

v The plant is known for its drought resistance, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardens and landscapes.

v The plant continues to be a subject of pharmacological research due to its valuable compounds. Scientists study it for new drug discoveries and improved therapeutic uses.