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Vinca

Periwinkle

The periwinkle is a perennial highly branched herb (Family Apocynaceae).

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.)

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

Constituents:

Vinca minor

Alkaloid Vincamine is another alkaloidisolated 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.

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).
The most important are the dimeric alkaloids (of the indole-indoline group):

1. Bisindole alkaloids:
Vinblastine (Vincaleukoblastine).
Vincristine (Leurocristine) which are now widely used.

2. Alkaloids: Vindoline and catharanthine (precursors of vinblastine).

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