Rosy Periwinkle Powder / Nithyakalyani

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Binomial name: Catharanthus roseus

Rosy Periwinkle is scientifically known as Catharanthus Roseus, this flowering plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family. The native of this plant is East and Southeast Madagascar, which is widely grown as an ornamental plant in all residential areas.

The other common names of this plant are pink periwinkle, periwinkle, Cape periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, graveyard plant, old maid, bright eyes, and annual vinca. It is mostly grown in the rainforest. Due to its medicinal properties, this plant is used as a traditional medicine to treat various health problems. 

Health Benefits

• All parts of this plant have a good amount of anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, it prevents the growth and spread of cancer cells and is best to treat tumor damages.
• This rosy periwinkle is used to treat diabetes in Asian countries because its extract effectively controls blood sugar levels and increases insulin levels.
• The leaves and seeds of this herbal plant are used to treat neurological problems like mental retardation, Alzheimer’s, and memory loss. Also, it helps to improve cognition and brain development.
• The alkaloid and reserpine are the beneficial substances of rosy periwinkle, they effectively reduce the blood pressure level and reduce the risk of heart problems.
• This herbal plant has strong astringent properties that make it an excellent natural remedy to cure cancerous ulcers. It has the ability to cure oral ulcers and reduce pain and inflammation.