Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Vinca rosea, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a plant species from the genus Catharanthus in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), see also periwinkle.
The drug vincristine was developed from the alkaloids of periwinkle.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Originally from Madagascar, Vinca rosea is an evergreen, perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of up to 80 centimetres. The leaves are simple, oval and with entire margins. Vinca rosea is now cultivated worldwide.
Ingredient(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Vinca rosea has gained considerable medicinal importance. More than 70 biologically active alkaloids have been extracted from this species(Vinca alkaloids). The main alkaloid is vincamine with a concentration of up to 0.5 % in the root. However, vinblastine with a content of 0.005 % and vincristine with 0.001 % are of greater medical importance. These two alkaloids have gained considerable clinical importance as cytostatic agents (mitosis inhibitors).
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Schilcher H (2015) Phytopharmaceuticals for tumor diseases. In: Schilcher H (Eds) Guide Phytotherapy. Urban and Fischer Publishing House Munich, S. 1019-1020
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
