Abstract

OVERVIEW ON MADAGASCAR PERIWINKLE

Gungan Shashwat Kerketta and Puja Kumari*

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Abstract

Native to Madagascar, the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), also called Vinca rosea, is a flowering plant. It is an essential source of two alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine, which are utilized in treating several cancers, including leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Wilms' tumor. Madagascar periwinkle is also a valuable source of other medicinal compounds, including ajmalicine and serpentine, which have been shown to have a variety of therapeutic properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, Madagascar periwinkle is also a popular ornamental plant. It is known for its attractive flowers, which can be pink, white, or purple. Madagascar periwinkle is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.

Keywords: Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, Vincristine, Vinblastine, cancer, Leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Wilms' tumor, Ajmalicine, Serpentine, Ornamental plant.