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Madagascar Periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus
Africa, Madagascar
Traditional Uses
Traditionally used for diabetes, hypertension, wound healing and infections
Modern Research Uses
Source of the anticancer drugs vincristine and vinblastine; studied extensively in oncology and alkaloid research
Mechanism of Action
Vinca alkaloids inhibit microtubule formation during cell division, causing apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells
Body Systems Affected
Prep & Administration
Toxicity Notes
Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Immune
Pharmaceutical injection (vincristine/vinblastine), topical preparations (traditional), decoction
High
Raw plant is poisonous; self-medication is not recommended due to toxic alkaloids affecting the nervous system and bone marrow
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