Herb's Introduction
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don, widely known as the Madagascar Periwinkle or Rosy Periwinkle, is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae (Dogbane) family. It is native and endemic to Madagascar but has since gained pantropical distribution and is cultivated worldwide, both as an ornamental garden plant and as a highly valued medicinal crop. It has garnered immense global attention due to the presence of extremely valuable indole alkaloids, most notably Vinblastine and Vincristine, which are critical chemotherapeutic agents used in modern medicine, particularly for the treatment of various cancers. Historically, it has been used in folk medicine across various cultures to treat a range of ailments, including diabetes, malaria, high blood pressure, and wounds. In the context of Nepal's rich biodiversity of medicinal plants, C. roseus is found and used in some regions, being recognized for its traditional healing properties alongside its modern pharmaceutical significance.
Name in Different Countries
Catharanthus roseus is known by a multitude of common names reflecting its widespread cultivation and traditional use in different languages and regions: Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don Family: Apocynaceae Synonyms: Vinca rosea, Lochnera rosea English: Madagascar Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle, Rosy Periwinkle, Cape Periwinkle, Old Maid. Hindi (India/Nepal): सदाबहार (Sadabahar) (meaning 'ever-blooming'), Sadaphuli. Bengali: নযনতারা (Nayantara) Chinese: 長春花 (Chángchūnhuā) Gujarati: Barmasi Konkani: सदापुष्प (Sadapushpa) Marathi: सदाफुली (Sadaphuli) Tamil: நித்திய கல்யாணி (Niththiya Kalyani) Telugu: బిళ్ళ గన్నేరు (Billa Ganneru) Thai: แพงพวยฝรั่ง (Pang pui farang) French: Pervenche de Madagascar German: Madagaskar-Immergrün
Terminology
The primary terminological importance of Catharanthus roseus lies in its phytochemical constituents: Vinca Alkaloids: This is a group of over 70 indole alkaloids found in the plant. The term "Vinca" comes from the plant's former genus name, Vinca rosea. These alkaloids are the source of the plant's potent medicinal and toxic properties. Vinblastine and Vincristine: These are dimeric indole alkaloids isolated from the leaves of the plant. They are classified as Antineoplastic Agents or Chemotherapy Drugs. They function as Mitotic Inhibitors by binding to tubulin, thus disrupting microtubule formation and halting cell division in the metaphase, making them effective against rapidly dividing cancer cells. Vindoline and Catharanthine: These are monomeric alkaloids that couple together to biosynthesize the dimeric Vinca alkaloids (Vinblastine and Vincristine). Vindoline is mainly produced in the green parts, and Catharanthine is found in the roots. Hypoglycemic Agent: A substance that lowers blood glucose levels. C. roseus has been traditionally used as a source for such agents to manage diabetes. Vasodilator: A substance that causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can help in lowering blood pressure. The root alkaloids like ajmalicine and serpentine are known for this effect.
Availability
Catharanthus roseus is widely available globally, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates: Geographic Distribution: It has a pantropical distribution, easily growing in coastal areas, disturbed lands, roadsides, and cultivated landscapes worldwide. In Nepal: It is found in the lower and mid-hill regions, particularly in the Terai and areas like Hetauda, where it is often grown as an ornamental plant but is also recognized and collected for traditional medicinal purposes. Commercial Availability: It is readily available in garden centers and nurseries as an ornamental bedding or potted plant. More importantly, its extracts and purified alkaloids are commercially available as high-value pharmaceutical products (chemotherapy drugs) globally. Traditional Use: The dried leaves, flowers, stem, and roots are sometimes collected and used in folk remedies, especially in rural communities where traditional medicine is the primary source of healthcare.
External Look
Catharanthus roseus is an attractive, low-maintenance plant: Habit: It is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous erect or sprawling plant, typically growing to about 10–100 cm in height. Stem: The stem is generally upright, often smooth and green when young, becoming slightly woody at the base with maturity. It contains a milky sap (latex). Leaves: The leaves are opposite, oblong or oval, about 2.5–9 cm long, glossy green, and hairless with a distinct, pale midrib. Flowers: The flowers are perhaps the most recognizable feature, appearing year-round in favorable climates (hence the Hindi name Sadabahar). They have five petal-like lobes and a central basal tube. The color varieties range from pure white (often with a yellow center) to pale pink, rose-pink, and dark red/magenta, often with a darker red or purplish center. Fruit: The fruit consists of a pair of follicles (slender, cylindrical pods) that are 2–4 cm long and contain small, black, oblong seeds.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of C. roseus stem from its diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals, particularly the indole alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids: Anticancer/Antineoplastic: This is its most significant property, attributed to Vinblastine and Vincristine. They are used to treat various cancers, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, childhood leukemia, Wilms' tumor, and choriocarcinoma. Antidiabetic/Hypoglycemic: Traditionally, extracts have been used to lower blood sugar levels, supported by modern research showing hypoglycemic activity in the leaves. Antihypertensive: Alkaloids like Ajmalicine and Serpentine found in the roots possess vasodilatory properties, which help in lowering high blood pressure. Antimicrobial: Extracts from the plant show significant activity against various bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungi, making it useful in treating various infections. Wound Healing: The plant has been shown to possess wound-healing activity, potentially due to its antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting epithelization. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: The presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds contributes to strong antioxidant activity, which helps in scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, alongside anti-inflammatory effects.
Advantages
The advantages of Catharanthus roseus are manifold, spanning modern medicine, traditional use, and horticulture: Life-Saving Cancer Drugs: It is the only natural source of the indispensable chemotherapeutic agents Vinblastine and Vincristine, which have significantly increased the survival rates for certain cancers. Broad Traditional Use: It is a versatile plant in folk medicine, used for a wide range of ailments like diabetes, hypertension, dysentery, malaria, wasp stings, and skin conditions across multiple cultures (Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.). Easy Cultivation: It is a perennial, hardy plant that is easy to grow and maintain in tropical and subtropical regions, ensuring a sustainable source for the pharmaceutical industry. Ornamental Value: Its year-round vibrant flowers make it a highly desirable ornamental plant for gardens, pots, and landscaping. Scientific Study Focus: Its established pharmacological properties make it a continuous subject of research for new drug development against various diseases.
Uses
The uses of C. roseus can be categorized into Pharmaceutical, Traditional, and Ornamental: Pharmaceutical Use: Cancer Chemotherapy: Primary use is as the source for isolating Vincristine and Vinblastine for treating leukemias, lymphomas (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's), and other solid tumors. Semi-Synthetic Drugs: Used to synthesize newer chemotherapeutic agents like Vinorelbine. Traditional/Folk Medicinal Use: Diabetes: Herbal teas from the leaves are traditionally consumed to manage high blood sugar. Hypertension: Root extracts are used to lower high blood pressure. Wounds and Skin: Leaf juice or paste is applied to cuts, wounds, wasp stings, and skin lesions to stop bleeding and promote healing. Gastrointestinal Issues: Used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and gastritis. Oral Health: Used to treat mouth ulcers, sore throats, and bleeding gums. Ornamental Use: Widely planted in gardens, containers, and hanging baskets for its continuous, colorful, and attractive blooms.
Using way
Disclaimer: Due to the high toxicity of C. roseus, only the modern pharmaceutical use of its purified and measured alkaloids (Vinblastine, Vincristine, etc.) under the guidance of an oncologist is safe and recommended. Traditional remedies should be approached with extreme caution and never without professional medical advice, as the whole plant is toxic. 1. Modern Pharmaceutical Use: Way: Purified alkaloid compounds (Vincristine, Vinblastine, etc.) are administered intravenously as chemotherapy drugs, with dosages precisely calculated and strictly monitored by medical professionals. 2. Traditional/Folk Use (Use with Extreme Caution): For Diabetes: Way: Dried leaves or whole flowers are sometimes boiled into a tea and consumed orally once or twice a day. Caution: This practice carries the risk of alkaloid poisoning and dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). For External Wounds/Stings: Way: A paste made from fresh leaves or the juice extracted from the leaves is applied topically to minor cuts, skin lesions, or wasp stings. Caution: Only for topical, external use; avoid ingestion. For Hypertension: Way: Root extracts are occasionally used in traditional systems, but the potent alkaloids can have severe cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects. Caution: Do not use. Seek modern medical treatment for high blood pressure. 3. Ornamental Use: Way: Planted in well-drained soil in sunny locations, requiring minimal care and blooming continuously. Ensure children and pets do not ingest any part of the plant.
Conclusion
Catharanthus roseus, or Sadabahar, is a prime example of a plant that bridges the gap between ancient traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical science. While traditionally valued across cultures for its use in treating a myriad of ailments, including diabetes and hypertension, its true global significance lies in the potent anti-cancer alkaloids Vinblastine and Vincristine. These compounds, isolated from its leaves, have become cornerstones of chemotherapy for leukemias and lymphomas, effectively saving countless lives. Despite its beauty as an ornamental plant and its widespread presence as a medicinal plant in regions like Nepal, it is essential to remember that all parts of C. roseus are highly toxic due to its potent alkaloid content. Therefore, while we celebrate its pharmaceutical contributions and rich history, the use of this plant for therapeutic purposes today must be exclusively confined to carefully measured, professionally administered pharmaceutical preparations, warning against all forms of self-medication with raw plant material.
