|
| Botanical Name |
Catharanthus
roseus |
|
| Common Name |
English:
Periwinkle |
| Family |
Apocynaceae |
| Parts Used |
Roots,
leaves |
| Medicinal Property |
It
is used in modern medicine. Leaves are emetic and diaphoretic, leaf juices
applied to wasp stings. Leaf infusion is also taken for indigestion and
dyspepsia. Roots are used to relieve toothache. Roots are purgative,
vermifugal, depurative and haemostatic properties. The alkaloid Vincristine
derived from leaves used in treating acute leukemia in children.
Vincaleukoblastine is used to treat Hodgkin’s disease and Leurocristine
employed for breast cancer. Most of these alkaloids possess antifibrillic,
hypotensive, sedative and tranquilizing properties. |
| Chemistry |
It
contain alkaloids like Vincristine,
Vincaleukoblastine, Leurocristine, Ajmalicine and Indole alkaloids
Raubasin and Serpentine presents in its roots and Vinblastine in its
leaves. So for 100 different alkaloids have been isolated from various
parts of this plant. |
| Description |
Perennial
crop, 45 – 120 cm tall with flowers of white, pink & intermediate
color. An erect handsome, herbaceous plant. Leaves deep green; oval,
oblong or obviate, glossy. |
| Distribution |
A
native of Madagascar, now found throughout India especially southern parts
of Tamil Nadu |
| Economics |
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| Warning |
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