The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), also known as rose periwinkle or vinca, is a small but mighty flowering plant native to the island of Madagascar.
With its delicate five-petaled blooms and glossy green leaves, this flower not only brings beauty to gardens but also holds a powerful legacy in the world of medicine.Madagascar periwinkle is a low-growing, evergreen plant that thrives in warm climates and well-drained soil. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.Beyond its ornamental value, the Madagascar periwinkle is world-renowned for its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for generations, but its modern significance lies in its role in cancer treatment.Two potent alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine are derived from this plant.
These compounds are used in chemotherapy drugs to treat leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and other cancers.
