Introduction:

Periwinkle is a small shrub bearing purple, pink, or white flowers throughout the year and hence called “Sadabahar or Sadaphuli” in India. Natively called “Periwinkle” in English, Catharanthus Roseus originated in Madagascar. This ornamental plant is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical areas. Nearly 12 species are identified, out of which two are popular ground covers (a plant that grows over an area of ground). All the species bear single flowers and have opposite leaves. When the flowers are plucked, they exude a milky juice. The flowers bloom in March or April. Atropurpurea has purple flowers, and Alboplena bears white flowers. Periwinkle is a rich source of medicinal compounds, and you need to know how nature has encapsulated love and care for all of us with this amazingly beautiful plant. Let us read more about the various health benefits the leaves have to offer.

Periwinkle has long been used as a traditional medicine. Tests by pharmaceutical companies in the 1950’s showed the presence of a number of medically active alkaloids, especially the compound vincristine, which has been shown to have activity against leukaemia. The alkaloids, when isolated from the plant, are highly toxic but have also been shown to reduce the numbers of white blood cells, leading to applications which have revolutionized conventional cancer therapy. The plant is cultivated as a source of these alkaloids, a number of which are extracted and used allopathically. The isolated alkaloids are used to treat and other cancers. The alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine are prescribed in anticancer therapy, particularly in cases of acute leukaemia (especially in children) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They are usually part of a complex chemotherapy protocol. Used in isolation, they have a number of side-effects, including alopecia, nausea and bone marrow depression. The dried root is an industrial source of Ajmalicine, which increases the blood flow in the brain and peripheral parts of the body. Preparations of ajmalicine are used to treat the psychological and behavioural problems of senility, sensory problems (dizziness, tinnitus), cranial traumas and their neurological complications. The leaves and aerial parts of the plant have a wide range of traditional uses. Well known as an oral Hypoglycaemic (Anti-Diabetic) agent, the plant is also considered to be depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, purgative and vermifuge. A decoction is taken to treat hypertension, asthma, menstrual irregularities, chronic constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, dyspepsis, malaria, dengue fever, diabetes, cancer and skin diseases. Extracts prepared from the leaves have been applied externally as antiseptic agents for the healing of wounds; to relieve the effects of wasp stings; against haemorrhage, skin rash and as a mouthwash to treat toothache. The leaves are harvested when the plant is flowering, and can be dried for later use. An infusion of the flowers is used to treat mild diabetes. A decoction of the roots is taken to treat dysmenorrhoea.

Nutritional Value:

Periwinkle leaves and flower petals are rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates and phytochemicals like vincristine, vinblastine, vincardine, etc. The nutritional components of Periwinkle leaves are mentioned in the table below:

Nutritional components Value per 100 g 
Energy 354 kCal 
Protein 5.2 g 
Fat 3.3 g 
Fibre 2.4 g 
Calcium 340 mg 
Iron 27 mg 
Vitamin C 0.02 mg 
Nutritional value of Periwinkle leaves

Uses & Benefits:

  • Anti-Bacterial
  • Anti-Viral
  • Anti-Inflammatory
  • Anti-Tumor / Anti-Cancer
  • Anti-Diabetic
  • Anti-Hypertension (Lowers Blood Pressure)
  • Hypocholesterolemic
  • Alzheimer’s Treatment.

Type-2 Diabetes:

Type-2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by derangements (abnormalities) in blood glucose levels, due to decreased insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose) response or insulin resistance. Nammi et al. conducted a study in 2003 to assess the effects of Periwinkle leaf juice on diabetic rats. The findings of this study stated that Periwinkle had an anti-diabetic effect, attributed to increased secretion of insulin from beta cells of the pancreas. This indicates that Periwinkle leaves may help in managing diabetes. However, we need more studies to support these claims in humans.

Hypertension:

Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure >130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure>80 mm Hg. Periwinkle as an anti-hypertensive (causing a decrease in blood pressure) agent has been used in folklore medicine. Ara et al. conducted a study in 2009 in hypertensive rats fed with Periwinkle leaves extract. The results of this study supported the use of Periwinkle to manage high blood pressure, indicating that it may positively impact blood pressure. However, we need more studies to ascertain these claims in humans.

Cognitive Function:

A literature review by Medina et al. In 2010 stated that Periwinkle contains chemical compounds called alkaloids which are known to enhance cognitive function. This effect is attributed to the inhibition of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase enzyme. The inhibition of this enzyme increases the levels of bio-molecules known to regulate memory, learning, etc. This indicates that Periwinkle can positively impact cognitive function.

Hair Loss:

Androgenic Alopecia, or male pattern hair loss in men and female pattern hair loss in women, is a patterned and progressive hair loss. A review by Justin et al. was conducted in 2017, stating Periwinkle may help manage androgenic alopecia. However, the exact mechanism behind this is unknown, and we need more scientific studies to claim these effects in humans.

Cancer:

Vinca alkaloids are medicinal compounds obtained from the Madagascar periwinkle plant. Vinblastine, an important Vinca alkaloid, has anti-tumour activity and is widely used to manage testicular cancers. Vinorelbine, another alkaloid from Periwinkle, finds use for managing breast cancers and osteosarcoma (bone cancer cells). This indicates that Periwinkle may help manage cancers. However, the potent anticancer Vinca alkaloids are fully processed, and safety and toxicity are tested before use.

Alzheimer’s Disease:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative illness of the central nervous system, affects 50–60% of people with dementia. It is distinguished by significant memory loss, emotional instability, and personality changes in later life. Studies have shown that the extracts of Periwinkle may aid in Alzheimer’s Disease as it has the potential to stimulate the nervous system. I suggest the consumption of Periwinkle with a doctor’s guidance and avoiding self-medication at all costs. — Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Other Uses:

  • Periwinkle has astringent properties and may help soothe the pain of canker sores.
  • European herbalists have used Periwinkle for managing watery discharge in conditions like bleeding gums and diarrhea.
  • The presence of vinpocetine in Periwinkle has beneficial effects on hearing loss due to aging (presbyacusis). Additionally, vinpocetine may help in hypercalcemia (increased calcium in the body) which is commonly seen in patients with kidney failure.
  • Herbalists have used Periwinkle for managing headaches, poor memory and vertigo.
  • Consumption of Periwinkle leaves can positively impact the skin.
  • It may benefit women who experience painful menstrual cramps and menorrhagia (heavy menstruation). 
  • In India, the juice from the leaves of Periwinkle are used to treat wasp stings.

How to Use Periwinkle:

  • To avail of the health benefits, Periwinkle leaves are used to make juice and consumed. 
  • The leaves and flower petals of Periwinkle are boiled and used to make “Kadha”, a traditional medicinal drink in India. 
  • The fresh leaves of Periwinkle are either directly chewed or dried and ground to make a powder which is then consumed.

Interactions with Other Drugs:

  • Periwinkle is known to cause a reduction in blood pressure, so if you’re on antihypertensive medicines, using Periwinkle and your medications can cause your blood pressure to drop too low.  
  • Consumption of Periwinkle leaves may help in reducing blood sugar, so if you’re taking your anti-diabetic medications along with this herb (Periwinkle), it can result in very low blood glucose levels. 

However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of sadabahar with other drugs and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.

Research:

  1. Dr. Anita Kale. (2021). A scientific review on Sadaphuli in Ayurveda. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 6(3), 94 – 99. Retrieved from  https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1309 
  2. Radali, Duarah & Gupta, Alka. (2018). Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Leaves and Lemongrass (Cympoogon citratus): An Analysis of Their Nutritional Composition, Anti-Nutritional Factors and Antioxidant Content. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 7. 2130-2135. 10.20546/ijcmas.2018.706.253. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326643359_Periwinkle_Catharanthus_roseus_Leaves_and_Lemongrass_Cympoogon_citratus_An_Analysis_of_Their_Nutritional_Composition_Anti-Nutritional_Factors_and_Antioxidant_Content 
  3. Nammi, Srinivas et al. “The juice of fresh leaves of Catharanthus roseus Linn. reduces blood glucose in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine vol. 3 (2003): 4. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-3-4. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC194756/pdf/1472-6882-3-4.pdf 
  4. Ara, Naznin et al. “Comparison of hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects of Catharanthus roseus leaves extract with atenolol on adrenaline induced hypertensive rats.” Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciencesvol. 22,3 (2009): 267-71. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19553172/ 
  5. Medina, Alexandre E. “Vinpocetine as a potent antiinflammatory agent.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of Americavol. 107, 22 (2010): 9921-2. doi:10.1073/pnas.1005138107. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2890434/ 
  6. Tan, Justin J Y et al. “Bioactives in Chinese Proprietary Medicine Modulates 5α-Reductase Activity and Gene Expression Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 8 194. 13 Apr. 2017, doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00194. Available at:  
  7. Moudi, Maryam et al. “Vinca alkaloids.” International journal of preventive medicine vol. 4,11 (2013): 1231-5. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3883245/ 
  8. Periwinkle. Available at: https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-3659003(Accessed: December 12, 2022).  
  9. Dey, S. (2017) Periwinkle: A herbal powerhouse, Side Effects & Dosage, HealthXP. Available at: https://healthxp.in/periwinkle-a-herbal-powerhouse-side-effects-dosage/ (Accessed: December 12, 2022).  
  10. Nejat, Naghmeh et al. “Ornamental exterior versus therapeutic interior of Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus): the two faces of a versatile herb.” TheScientificWorldJournal vol. 2015 (2015): 982412. doi:10.1155/2015/982412. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4312627/ 
  11. Loh, Ky. “Know the Medicinal Herb: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea).” Malaysian family physician : the official journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia vol. 3,2 123. 31 Aug. 2008. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170313/ 
  12. Periwinkle (pink or white) (catharanthus roseus): Queensland Poisons Information Centre (2017) Children’s Health Queensland. Available at: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/poisonous-plant-pink-white-periwinkle-catharanthus-roseus/ (Accessed: December 16, 2022).
  13. https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-sadabahar/
  14. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Catharanthus+roseus

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.