Leaf & Herb · Leaf/Green

Periwinkle Leaf

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Periwinkle leaf (Catharanthus roseus) contains over 100 bioactive alkaloids, including vindolicine and vinblastine, which inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B and disrupt microtubule dynamics during cell division. These compounds demonstrate significant anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects through multiple molecular pathways.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryLeaf & Herb

GroupLeaf/Green

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary KeywordPeriwinkle Leaf benefits

Periwinkle Leaf — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Enhances memory, focus,

and cognitive clarity through neuroprotective alkaloids that improve cerebral blood flow.

Regulates blood pressure

and improves circulation, supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Strengthens immune defenses

and combats infections through its antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.

Reduces cellular damage

and supports healthy aging by providing potent antioxidant protection.

Aids in blood

sugar regulation and promotes energy metabolism, contributing to metabolic balance.

Supports emotional balance

and mental well-being through adaptogenic effects on stress resilience.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Periwinkle leaf (Catharanthus roseus), also known as Madagascar Periwinkle, is an evergreen subshrub native to Madagascar, now widely cultivated across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is renowned for its vibrant flowers and potent medicinal alkaloids. This botanical is highly valued in functional nutrition for its neuroprotective, cardiovascular, and metabolic support properties.

“Historically revered for treating circulatory and cognitive disorders, Periwinkle leaf gained global fame with the discovery of vincristine and vinblastine's anti-cancer properties. Its use spans indigenous, Ayurvedic, and Chinese traditions for cognitive enhancement, emotional resilience, and cardiovascular support. Modern science continues to validate these profound applications.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Extensive scientific research, including in vitro, animal, and human clinical studies, has identified potent alkaloids in Periwinkle leaf with significant anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular properties. Evidence supports its traditional uses for cognitive enhancement and metabolic support, though specific therapeutic applications require careful medical guidance.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine, ajmalicine, serpentine), Flavonoids, Phenolic acids - Vitamins C, E - Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

The primary alkaloids vindolicine, vindolidine, and vindolinine enhance glucose uptake in pancreatic β-TC6 and muscle C2C12 cells by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B), a key target for diabetes management. Dimeric alkaloids like vinblastine and vincristine bind directly to tubulin proteins, disrupting microtubule dynamics and preventing cell division during mitosis. Flavonoids including kaempferol and quercetin activate DNA repair proteins (XPC, XPA) and scavenge free radicals through DPPH and ORAC pathways.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Research consists primarily of in vitro and animal studies, with no large-scale human clinical trials reported. In laboratory studies, vindolicine demonstrated the strongest glucose uptake enhancement in pancreatic cells at 12.5-25 µg/mL concentrations. Dimeric alkaloids showed cytotoxic effects against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 0.73-10.67 µM. While vinblastine and vincristine are clinically approved chemotherapy drugs derived from this plant, standardized leaf extract efficacy in humans requires further investigation.

Also Known As

Catharanthus roseusMadagascar periwinkleVinca roseaSadabaharNityakalyaniOld Maid

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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