Madagascar Periwinkle

• What other names is Madagascar Periwinkle known by?
• What is Madagascar Periwinkle?
• How does Madagascar Periwinkle work?
• Are there safety concerns?
• Are there any interactions with medications?
• Dosing considerations for Madagascar Periwinkle.

What other names is Madagascar Periwinkle known by?

Ammocallis rosea, Cape Periwinkle, Catharanthe, Catharanthus, Catharanthus roseus, Chang Chu Hua, Church-Flower, Lochnera rosea, Magdalena, Myrtle, Old Maid, Periwinkle, Pervenche de Madagascar, Pervenche Rose, Ram-Goat Rose, Ratanjot, Red Periwinkle, Rose Amère, Vinca, Vinca rosea, Vincapervinca de Madagascar.

What is Madagascar Periwinkle?

Madagascar periwinkle is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, Madagascar periwinkle is used for diabetes, cancer, and sore throat. It is also used as a cough remedy, for easing lung congestion, and to reduce fluid retention by increasing urine production (as a diuretic).

Some people apply Madagascar periwinkle directly to the skin to stop bleeding; relieve insect bites, wasp stings, and eye irritation; and treat infections and swelling (inflammation).

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Diabetes.
• Cancer.
• Fluid retention.
• Cough.
• Lung congestion.
• Sore throat.
• Eye irritation, when applied to the eye.
• Skin infections, when applied to the skin.
• Stopping bleeding, when applied to the skin.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Madagascar periwinkle for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).