Related Terms

• Apovincamine, Catharanthus alkaloids, Catharanthus roseus, Cavinton®, cezayirmeneksesi (Turkish), common periwinkle, creeping myrtle, cytokinin, deacetylvinblastine, deacetylvinblastine amide, Devincan™, ethyl apovincaminate, ethylene, evergreen, kavinton, lesser periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, myrtle, Oncovin®, pervincamine, Rgh-4405, rose periwinkle, small periwinkle, Tcv-3B, terpenoid indole alkaloids, vinblastine, vinca alkaloids, Vinca balcanica, Vinca difformis, Vinca heracea, Vinca major, Vinca minor, Vincae minoris herba, vincamine, vincapervinc, vincristine, vincristine-vinblastine, vindesine, vinorelbin, vinorelbine, vinpocetin, vinpocetine, vinRx, vintoperol, wintergreen.

• Note: The use of periwinkle as a dietary supplement is not recommended, because it contains pharmacologically active vinca alkaloids, which may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nerves, as well as death.

Background

• Periwinkle (Vinca spp.) and Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus spp.) are both members of the Apocynaceae family. Madagascar periwinkle was formerly classified as a Vinca species (Vinca rosa) but is now classified as a separate species. The two are similar in appearance and are both commonly referred to as "myrtle."

• Lesser periwinkle is commonly cultivated for use as ornamental ground cover, though it is considered an invasive weed in some areas of North America and Australia. Madagascar periwinkle is also commonly used as an ornamental plant but thrives only in a subtropical environment where temperatures do not fall below 41ºF (5ºC).

• Both species produce alkaloids that have been studied and used as a treatment for treatment of a wide variety of conditions, including diabetes, cancer, hypertension (high blood pressure), and stroke.

• The use of periwinkle as a dietary supplement is not recommended, because it contains vinca alkaloids, which may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nerves, as well as death.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Alzheimer's disease, angina, antibacterial, antiplatelet, astringent, bile flow stimulant, blood circulation, blood disorders, blood purification, breast cancer (metastatic breast cancer), cardiac ischemia, cerebral ischemia, cognitive function, colitis, cough, dementia (prevention), diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, diuretic, edema, eye disorders, heart disease, hypertension, fever, immune function, infections, inflammation, insect bites and stings, intestinal disorders and inflammation, leukemia, liver disease, malaria, memory enhancement, menstrual pain, neuroprotection, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, ocular disorders (eye disorders), parasites (leishmaniasis), peripheral vascular disease, rheumatism, scurvy, sedative, sore throat, tonsillitis, toothache, vaginal discharge, venereal disease, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• For acute phase of stroke, 60 milligrams of pervincamine (a compound in periwinkle), infused in the vein, has been used daily for five days.

• For dementia, 30 milligrams of vincamine (a compound in periwinkle) has been taken by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for periwinkle in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to periwinkle (Vinca spp.), Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus spp.), their constituents, or members of the Apocynaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Side effects of periwinkle, or compounds isolated from periwinkle, may include bacterial infections, bone marrow depression, cancer, gastrointestinal side effects (upset, vomiting, diarrhea, ulcer), kidney damage, liver damage, nerve damage, pancytopenia (decreased blood cells), peripheral neuropathy, rash, skin flushing, and urinary tract infections.

• Periwinkle may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Periwinkle may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

• Periwinkle may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

• Use compounds from lesser periwinkle cautiously in patients taking blood vessel dilating agents or those with blood disorders.

• Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to periwinkle (Vinca spp.), Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus spp.), their constituents, or members of the Apocynaceae family.

• Avoid in pregnant women, as compounds found in periwinkle may increase the risk of abortion or birth defects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid in pregnant women, as compounds found in periwinkle may increase the risk of abortion or birth defects.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Periwinkle may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Periwinkle may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

• Periwinkle may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

• Periwinkle may also interact with agents that suppress the immune system, anticancer agents, antidepressant agents, agents that are toxic to the liver, and blood vessel dilating agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Periwinkle may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking herbs and supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Periwinkle may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs and supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these agents may be altered in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

• Periwinkle may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Periwinkle may also interact with herbs or supplements that suppress the immune system, anticancer agents, antidepressant agents, herbs and supplements that are toxic to the liver, and blood vessel dilating herbs and supplements.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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