What are the medical use of Catharanthus Roseus?
Catharanthus roseus is a tropical plant used in traditional herbal medicine in areas of the world where it grows historically. Madagascar Periwinkle, the common name of this medicinal and ornamental plant, indicates where the species comes from. The plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and other medicinal systems. Western Medical Science began to explore Catharanthus roseus and its extracts during the 20th century and to find out several compounds useful in cancer treatment. Older texts can refer to the plant by its earlier Latin name, vinca rosea .
records suggest that Catharanthus roseus has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. Although the plant came from Madagascar, it naturalized throughout Subtropical Asia, Africa and America and was used ornamental and healing. All parts of the plant were used in regional herbal medicine, including dried root, leaves, tokiers and stems. Alkaloids used in modern meDiaries are extracted from the entire dried plant. To help preserve the plant in the wild, it is grown for treatment in many areas of the world. Insects are released using leaves juice. Herbal use in the Caribbean includes the use of flower extracts as an eye pass for infants. Flowers are also used to treat asthma and excess gas. Other traditional herbal treatment include the use of a plant for painful menstruation, tuberculosis and rheumatism.
western science began to examine Catharanthus roseus in the mid -20th century after learning its use as a treatment of diabetes in the Caribbean and Asia. The plant contains dozens of alkaloids, including Vinblastine, which was found it has anti -tumor properties. Drugs made of this alkaloid are used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma, cancer of the immune system. The second alkaloid, Vincristine, is used to treat leukemia in children. It wasA significant improvement in the survival of child leukemia victims is attributed.
On the plant and its extracts, many research studies have been performed. Laboratory studies indicate that it has potential for the treatment of diabetes. In addition, antibacterial properties were found in the leaf extracts. The petals, seeds and other parts of the plant show antioxidant properties.
In addition to therapeutic use, Catharanthus roseus is a favorite decorative plant. This subtropical flowering plant can be grown throughout the year in warm areas. It is carefully used in mild zones as an annual plant of bedding and continues to flowering throughout the season. Five flowers with petals move from white to different shades of pink, purple and deeper reddish colors. The ability of the plant to prosper in poor soil and full of sunshine or partial shadow makes it a popular garden complement.