Page 74 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Vinca

Periwinkle

The periwinkle is a perennial highly branched herb (Family Apocynaceae). The plant has been widely
used in tropical folk medicine.

1. Greater Periwinkle: (Vinca major L.)

Was previously used for the treatment of menorrhagia and topically as an application for
haemorrhoids but is now seldom used.

2. Lesser (Common) Periwinkle: (Vinca minor L.)

It is employed in homeopathy as a tincture for hemorrhages.

3. Madagascar Periwinkle: (Vinca rosea L., Catharanthus roseus G. Don.)

It is used in folk medicine for treating dysentery, menstrual disorders, toothaches, and especially diabetes.

Constituents:
Vinca minor

Alkaloid Vincamine is another alkaloid isolated from Vinca minor. It is claimed to increase cerebral
circulation and utilization of oxygen and has been used in a variety of cerebral disorders in geriatrics. The
alkaloid vincamine is hypotensive spasmolytic, hypoglycemic and sympatholytic.

Vinca rosea

1. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids.
Up to 100 alkaloids have been isolated from this plant (mostly present in relatively small
amounts).

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