EXPLORING THE MEDICINAL POTENTIAL OF PERIWINKLE (CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

– Periwinkle, or Catharanthus roseus , is a medicinal plant native to Madagascar that offers significant pharmacological and therapeutic benefits. The plant contains valuable alkaloids such as catharanthine and vindoline, but extracting them can be costly due to their low concentrations. Researchers have employed various breeding techniques to reduce costs. With a repertoire of over 130 alkaloids, periwinkle has the potential to provide treatment for various conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthama, menstrual issues, and constipation. This review work provides an in-depth discussion on the morphology, chemical composition, pharmacological and therapeutic significance, as well as micropropagation techniques of periwinkle.