The Health Benefits and Side effects of Vinca
Vinca plant also known as periwinkle with a scientific
name Catharanthus roseus is a very
common plant that is known to be a native of West Indies and is comfortably
grown in Asia, West African, Southern Europe and North America. Surprisingly it
is an endangered plant in the wild because of slashes and burn cultivation.
This plant is mainly used in Chinese Traditional
Medicine and Ayurveda for its anti-tumor effects. This herb contains 2 types of
active compound such alkaloids and tannins, and about 150 alkaloids are
isolated chemically, and particularly an interesting group of about 20
bisindole alkaloids which contains those having anti-neoplastic activity,
including leurocristine (vincristine) and vincaleukoblastine (vinblastine)
which have some health importance.
Uses
Vinca is mainly used against certain types of
cancer such as Leukaemia and Lymphoma and Hodgkin Disease. It has a marked cytotoxic
effect and makes it effective against growing cancers either alone or in
combination with other drugs in chemotherapy.
Despite serious safety concerns, periwinkle is
used for brain health (increasing blood circulation in the brain, supporting
brain metabolism, increasing mental productivity, preventing memory problems).
It is also
used for treating diarrhoea, throat aliments, tonsillitis, chest pain,
intestinal pain and swelling (inflammation) and water retention (edema). It is
also used for promoting wound healing, improving the way the immune system defends
the body.
How to use:
Vinca alkaloid extracts are available as
tinctures which must be used only under medical supervision because the doses
are highly specific and can be dangerous if taken excess.
Side effect
Vinca generally causes side effects such as
vomiting, headache, nausea, bleeding and fatigue.
Toxicity
Periwinkle is potentially toxic and has been
known to cause dyspnea.
The related Vinca minor has been declared “unsafe”
for human consumption by the FDA.
References:
- Evans, W.C. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy, 16th ed; Elsevier, New York, 2009.
- Duke J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Boca Raton, FL; CRC Press, 1985.
Disclaimer:
The topic provided on this blog is for information purpose only and is meant to
supplement, and not to replace advice from your doctor or Health provider. This
information does not cover all Side effects and method of use. You should
always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start,
stop or change a treatment that is right for you
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