Common
name: Periwinkle, Vinca • Hindi: Sadabahar सदाबहार • Malayalam: Shavam
Naari • Marathi: सदाफूली
Sadaphuli • Bengali: নযনতাৰা
Nayantara
Botanical
name: Catharanthus roseus Family:
Apocynaceae (oleander family)
Synonyms:
Vinca rosea
Geographical distribution
It is cultivated throughout
India as an ornamental plant and also met as an escape.
Introduction: Periwinkle is a
happy-go-lucky small shrub. It cares not for the world. It rejoices in sun or
rain, or the seaside, in good or indifferent soil and often grows wild. It is
known as 'Sadabahar' meaning 'always in bloom' and is used for worship.
Numerous soft-wood branches from the ground, give it an appearance of fullness.
Closely planted it can have an impressive effect with its various colours. This
is one flower which can be found all over India. Lots of cultivars have been
developed with various colors, from red to white.
Species Type : Small shrub
Chemical composition
The leaves contain
vincristine and vinblastine. A large number of indole alkaloids are present in
the root. Out of them about 20 dimeric indole dihydro-indole alkaloids possess
oncolytic activity. Among them, vincristine and vinblastine are most significant.
The other alkaloids present in the plant are ajmalicine, lochnerine, serpentine
and tetrahydroals tonine.
Therapeutic uses
The leaves possess emetic,
diaphoretic, antidiabitic and diuretic properties. It’s decoction is effective
for regulation of menstruation. The root have purgative, vermifuge, depurative
and haemostatic properties.
Folk medicinal uses
The squeezed leaf juice is
applied to wasp stings. Leaf infusion is also taken for indigestion and
dyspepsia. Single flower taken daily to control diabetes by local people.
Flowers : Throughout the year
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