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Practical ecological knowledge for the temperate reader. |
Family:Apocynaceae (Dogbane) [E-flora]
"Perennial herb, ± glabrous (except ciliate leaf, sepal margins). Leaf: opposite to subopposite. Inflorescence: flowers generally 1 in leaf axils. Flower: calyx lobes long, slender; corolla tube funnel-shaped, lobes asymmetric; filaments free, attached near top of corolla tube, sharply bent near base, unappendaged, anthers held around top of but free from stigma, each partly sterile, pollen ± free; nectaries 2, alternate ovaries, wide-spaced, generally not exceeding ovaries; style cylindric, widened distally, stigma skirted at base. Seed: glabrous.
6–7 species: southern Europe, northern Africa, to Afghanistan. (Latin: possibly, to bind or wind about)
Unabridged references: [Taylor & Farnsworth 1973 The Vinca alkaloids]
Unabridged note: 2n=46 in Vinca minor, Homo sapiens, and Lepus europaeus (and other hares), not suggesting a close relationship among these taxa, yet supporting the idea that classification should be based on more than one kind of evidence." [Jepson]
"Common periwinkle (V. minor) is similar but has smaller leaves (less than 5 cm long) and smaller flowers (2.5 cm or less across) than V. major, and is more cold hardy and more tolerant of shade. It is used for producing Catharanthus alkaloids. Also, a homoeopathic tincture is prepared from the fresh leaves of it and is given medicinally for the milk-crust of infants as well as for internal hemorrhages. Its flowers are gently purgative, but lose their effect on drying. If gathered in the spring and made into a syrup, they will impart thereto all their virtues and this is excellent as a gentle laxative for children and also for overcoming chronic constipation in grown-ups (Grieve, 1994)." [PTFC]
"Vinca major, the greater periwinkle, another European species, is not common outside of gardens. Its corolla is 3.5–5 cm wide, and its calyx lobes (typically with hairy margins) and fruits are also much larger than those of V. minor. Furthermore, its stems tend to grow upright and may rise to a height of more than 1 m." [Kozloff PWO]
"Vinca major (Apocynaceae family), with common names: large periwinkle, big periwinkle; it is a fast growing herbaceous perennial groundcover with evergreen foliage and pretty blue flowers. It is native to France and Italy, and eastward through the Balkans to northern Asia Minor and the western Caucasus. V. major and V. minor are the most commonly cultivated. Herbalists for curing diabetes have long used it, because it can prove an efficient substitute for insulin. It is used for in herbal practice for its astringent and tonic properties in menorrhagia and in hemorrhages generally. For obstructions of mucus in the intestines and lungs, diarrhea, congestions, hemorrhages, etc., periwinkle tea is a good remedy. In cases of scurvy and for relaxed sore throat and inflamed tonsils, it may also be used as a gargle. For bleeding piles, it may be applied externally. Apparently all the vincas are poisonous if ingested. Numerous alkaloids, some useful to man, have been isolated from big and common periwinkle (Grieve, 1994)." [PTFC]
"Most authors suggest that the greater [V. major] and lesser periwinkle [V. minor] are generically interchangeable medicinally, and I agree, so far." [HMH Duke]
V. minor & V. major; "Large quantities of the plant are poisonous[19, 65]." [PFAF]
Vinca Spp. contraindicated during pregnancy [Hudson WENM][Moore(1995)]
"Folklore has attributed curative properties to the periwinkle plant. It has been recommended as a remedy for diarrhea and hemorrhages. A tea made from the plant can be used for nervous conditions. It was thought to be a cure for diabetes. Chewing the herb has been recommended to stop toothache or to stop bleeding in the mouth and nose. Another source also reports its use as a laxative, for cramp, and for skin inflammation, and suggests the use of Vinca major as a gargle in cases of scurvy, sore throat and inflamed tonsils." [Thame,1989]
Vinca major;
Select Indications (Greater Periwinkle) — Bleeding (1; GMH; WOI); Hemorrhoid (f; HH2; GMH); Menorrhagia (1; HH2; GMH)
"Dosages (Greater Periwinkle) — 2–4 g dry herb/cup tea to 3 ×/day (HH2)."
"Extracts (Greater Periwinkle) — Aqueous extract (1.82 g leaf/50 ml water reduces in vitro (in human serum) cholinesterase activity by 50% (HH2). Mix of vincamine and vincine lower blood pressure IC27–40 = 5–10 mg/kg ivn rat LD50 (mixed alkaloids) = 37 mg/kg ivn mouse (HH2)." [HMH Duke]
Vinca Major; "Distribution Suburban and rural areas (escaped plant) from Seattle to Los Angeles, usually in the shade. Parts Used Leafing stems. Preparation Fresh Herb Tincture, 1:2, Dry Herb Tincture, 1:5, 50% alcohol, both 20 to 40 drops morning and evening. Herb Uses A hemostatic in functional uterine bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids; the tincture, mixed with 5 parts glycerine for rectal application. For migrainelike headaches, with pounding in temples, occurring after adrenalin stress from circumstances or a rebound reaction to low blood sugar from skipping meals. Comments An incredibly complex alkaloid plant, its safe use mentioned here is for acute, short-term need. If you get many such headaches that need Periwinkle, it's time to do more than take an herb. References Moore (Desert)." [Moore MPPW]
Vinca minor; "Dosages (Lesser Periwinkle) — 2–4 g powdered herb (PNC); 200 ml boiling water over 1 tsp herb, 2–3 cups/day (PH2); 15 g herb/250 ml water for infusion (PH2); macerate 100 g herbs in a liter of wine, steep 10 days (PH2); 2.5–5 ml liquid herb extract (PNC); 2–5 g fluid extract (MAD)." [HMH Duke]
Vinca minor; Select Indications (Lesser Periwinkle) — Alzheimer’s (1; BRU; FNF); Bleeding (f; APA; CRC; HH2; KOM; PH2; WOI); Cancer (1; CRC); Cancer, uvula (f; CRC; JLH); Catarrh (f; CRC; HH2; KOM; MAD); Constipation (f; CRC; GMH); Cramp (1; CRC; GMH; PH2; WOI); Dementia (1; BRU; FNF); Dermatosis (f; BRU; CRC; MAD); Diarrhea (f; CRC; HH2; KOM; MAD; PH2; WBB); Dysentery (f; CRC; WBB); Dysmenorrhea (f; APA; MAD); Eczema (f; CRC; HH2; PH2); Encephalosis (f; PHR); Enterosis (f; APA; HH2; MAD; PH2); Epistaxis (f; CRC; GMH; HH2; PH2); Gastrosis (f; HH2; PH2); Headache (f; APA; CRC); Hemorrhoid (f; CRC; GMH); High Blood Pressure (2; APA; CRC; PH2; WOI); Hyperglycemia (1; HH2; PH2); Hysteria (f; CRC; GMH); Immunodepression (1; APA; HH2); Inflammation (f; APA; GMH; KOM); Insomnia (1; CRC; KOM); Nervousness (1; CRC; KOM); Neurosis (f; APA; CRC); Pain (1; HH2; WBB); Phthisis (f; WBB; WOI); Senility (1; APA; PH2); Sore Throat (f; APA; MAD; PH2); Worm (f; CRC; WOI) [HMH Duke]
"Periwinkle soothes nettle rash, they say in the Fen country (Porter. 1969), and an ointment made with it was used for bruises and persistent skin irritation in Scotland (Beith). The roots were a popular colic cure in the Fen country (Porter. 1969), and periwinkle used to be an Irish (County Cavan) treatment for diabetes (Maloney). The leaves laid on gatherings and boils is an Oxfordshire remedy (Oxfordshire and District Folklore Society. Annual Record. 1951). It was reckoned to be good for sore breasts in Lincolnshire, the leaves being crushed and applied to the part (Gutch & Peacock); a poultice of the roots applied to a cow’s udder was said in Cambridgeshire to cure milk fever (Porter. 1969). It is said to be a good remedy for cramp, too (Grieve. 1931). People used to wear bands of green periwinkle about the calf of the leg to prevent it (Fernie), and in Lincolnshire a piece was put between the bed and mattress for the same purpose (Rudkin)." [DPL Watts]
"Lesser Periwinkle [Vinca minor]has been used as a vulnerary, that is, as a treatment for bleeding wounds (Grigson.1955), or for that matter, any issues of blood. Gerard, for instance, advised its use: “a handfull of the leaves stamped, and the juice given to drinke, in red wine, stoppeth the laske and bloudy flix, spitting of bloud, which never faileth; it likewise stops the inordinate course of the monethly sicknesse”. Add nosebleed to that list (Coats. 1975). There is some suggestion that it is good for the eyes. It is called Old Woman’s Eye in Dorset (Macmillan) (one of its Italian names is Centocchio), and, more interesting, another Dorset name is St Candida’s Eyes. St Candida’s well is at Morecombelake, in Dorset, and the water is said to be a certain cure for sore eyes" [DPL Watts]
See also: Vinca Alkaloids page [page created]
"Over 40 alkaloids may occur in a single plant, for example Vinca major." [Pengelly TCMP]
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Vinca major subsp. major L.
Vinva major (leaves)
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Chemicals in: Vinca minor L. (Apocynaceae) -- Periwinkle, Running-Myrtle |
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(+)-QUEBRACHAMINE Plant: DUKE1992A |
P-COUMARIC-ACID Plant: DUKE1992A [DukePhyt] |
V. minor; Indole alkaloids (0.15-1.4%): chief alkaloid vincamine (ebumamine-type, 25-65%), including as well vincine, apovincamine, vincadifformin [PDR]
V. minor; Flavonoids: including kempferol-3-0-rhamnoside-7-0-glucoside, kempferol-3-0-rhamnoglucoside-3-0-galactoside, kempferol-3-0-rhamnoglucoside-3-0-glucoside, quercetin- 3-0-rhamnoglucoside-7-0-glucoside [PDR]
"Vinca alkaloids from the lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor), such as vincristine and vinblastine, and colchicine from the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), are potent cytostatic drugs that bind tubulin and inhibit the assembly of microtubules, thus interfering with the mitotic process." [HPIC]
"Vinca minor, V. major—the common periwinkles—contain numerous indole alkaloids including vincamine, majdine, majoridine. Their actions are antihaemorrhagic and astringent. Vinca spp. do not contain the antineoplastic alkaloids found in Cantharanthus (Wren 1988)." [Pengelly TCMP]
“...vallesiachotamine and isovallesiachotamine were isolated from a Vinca species for the first time. V. minor may be considered as a new source for these two alkaloids due to their occurrence in high amount in the aerial parts of the plant. The alkaloid extracts of the two Vinca species [V. Major and V. Minor] were found to have high lipid peroxidation inhibitory and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Anticholinesterase activity of the extracts was also very strong.” [IAVMM]
"VINCAMINE Vincamine is an indole alkaloid, found in the leaves of the periwinkle, Vinca minor (L.), family Apocynaceae, indigenous to Central and South Europe, where it grows in shady places. Clinical pharmacology shows that vincamine increases the cerebral circulation, and glucose uptake in ischaemic parts of the brain, and thus decreases cerebral oedema and the viscosity of the blood. As compared to the effect of placebo, 60 mg vincamine administered orally daily gives a significant effect with improved intellectual performance." [Sandberg NR]
"The alkaloid vincamine is hypotensive, negatively chronotropic, spasmolytic, hypoglycemic and sympatholytic. Scientifically validated studies on the hypotensive effect on humans have not yet been carried out. Its use as an amaroid seems plausible." [PDR]
"Vincamine constitutes about 25–65 % of indole alkaloids extracted from Vinca minor [24]." [Ramawat NP]
"...the monoterpenoid indole alkaloid vincamine isolated from Vinca minor L. (family Apocynaceae Juss.) is a commercial vasorelaxant used to treat poor cerebral perfusion and has been shown to exhibit Ca2+-channel blocking effects.91 The exact role of cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels in cell division and apoptosis is not yet fully understood but some evidence suggests that they play critical roles in the proliferation of certain types of cancer cell.92,93" [Wiart LC]
"Reserpine Synonyms Crystoserpine; Eskaserp; Rau-sed; Reserpoid; Rivasin; Serfin; Sandril; Sedaraupin; Serpasil; Serpine; Serpasol; Serpiloid. Biological Sources It is obtained from the plant Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Apocynaceae) (Periwinkle, Madagascar or Cape Periwinkle, Old Maid); root of Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth (Apocynaceae) (Rauvolfia, Chandra, Sarpaganda); root of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. (Apocynaceae) (Pinque-Pinque); and from the plant of Vinca minor L. (Apocynaceae) (Periwinkle)." [PCPB]
Akuammine - Indole - Picralima spp., Cabucala spp. and Vinca spp. (Apocynaceae) - Serotonin antagonist [Wink APR39]
Reserpine - Indole - Rauwolfia spp. Vinca minor, Alstonia constrictor, Tenduzia longifolia, Vallesia dichotoma, Excavatia coccinea and other genera (Apocynaceae) - Adrenergic antagonist [Wink APR39]
Vincamine - Indole - Vinca spp., Tabaernaemontana rigida (Apocynaceae) - Inhibitor of voltage-gated Na+-channels [Wink APR39]
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V. Major
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V. Minor
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[HMH Duke] |
"Chemicals extracted from the periwinkle plant (Vinca major, Vinca minor and Vinca rosea) have found extensive use in the treatment of many ailments. It has been shown that two of the active compounds in this plant are dimeric alkaloids known as vincristine and vinblastine, sold under the names of "Oncovin®" and "Velban®", respectively. Numerous studies have demonstrated the use of these two extracts in the treatment of various forms of cancer. For example, vincristine has been used in the treatment of acute leukemia and may be used in combination with other oncolytic agents for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease, lymphosarcoma, reticulum-cell sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma and Wilm's tumor. Vinblastine is indicated in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease, Kaposi's sarcoma, mycosis fungoides, various types of lymphomas, and other carcinomas." [Thame,1989]
"Vincristine and vinblastine have been shown to be capable of suppressing herpes simplex virus infections. (Tokumaru and Avitabile, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med., 1971). U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,231 discloses a class of compounds, at least some of which can be isolated from Vinca minor, useful in treating skin diseases such as psoriasis." [Thame,1989]
"The present invention uses periwinkle extract for several oral hygiene purposes. These include plaque reduction, control of volatile sulfur compounds (which is related to breath freshening), cleaning of the teeth and conditioning of gum tissue, and relieving the symptoms of gingivitis. The extract appears to possess antimicrobial properties." [Thame,1989]
"An oral hygiene method for reducing plaque and for the treatment of periodontal diseases of bacterial etiology, the method comprising reducing bacterial activity in the oral cavity by applying to the oral cavity a composition containing from about 0.3% to about 50% by weight of a dried methanol extract from the perennial herb periwinkle." [Thame,1989]
Vinca major and V. Minor;
V. major, V. minor; "A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in almost any soil[200] but prefers those that are on the richer side[17]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are very shade tolerant but they do not flower so well in deep shade[11, 28, 31]. They grow well under deciduous trees[187], and in such a situation can succeed in dry soils[190]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. A very ornamental[1] and polymorphic plant[200], there are some named forms selected for their ornamental value[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. This species rarely if ever sets seed in Britain[4]. It spreads rapidly by long trailing stems that root at their tips and leaf nodes, it can be invasive[4, 238]. Once it is established it will swamp out smaller plants[4]." [PFAF]
"The ability of Trichoderma spp. to promote plant growth when there is apparent absence of pathogens that it could be controlling makes it a more interesting ally for healthier and more productive soil systems. Chang et al. (1986) found that when T. harzianum was added to either steamed or raw soil, it reduced the time to flowering for periwinkle (Vinca minor) and increased the number of blooms/plant in chrysanthemums." [Uphoff BASSS]
"V.minor and V.major have similar uses. They are trailing evergreen shrubs from Europe, growing 20-50 cm (8-20") high and spreading widely and rapidly via trailing and rooting stems. Hardy to - 20°C. They grow in most soils and in sun or heavy shade; drought tolerant. Good under deciduous trees - a good understorey plant for agroforestry systems. They are cultivated commercially and harvested from wild plants. The plants are sedative and tonic. They contain the alkaloid 'vincamine', which is used by the pharmaceutical industry as a cerebral stimulant and vasodilator. A homeopathic remedy is also made from the fresh leaves. The leaves are usually harvested in spring. Dry yields are about 0.7- 1.5 tonnes/ha (0.3-0.6 tons/acre). The dry herb wholesales for about £6/kg ($4.4/1b)." [ARA 8.3]
"Vinca spp. Periwinkle. Evergreen prostrate shrubs with long trailing thin stems - makes good ground cover in shade. Hardy to Hardy to -20°C (-4°F) or so." [ARA 10.1]
V. major, V. minor; "Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring just before active growth commences[78], or in autumn[1]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 5 - 10 cm long, October in a cold frame. Roots quickly. High percentage[78]." [PFAF]
"Vinca and Catharanthus are closely related and both called periwinkle. They are commonly domesticated and often escape into the wild. Vinca is used medicinally as an internal astringent for excess menstrua- tion, hemorrhoids, bleeding ulcers and diarrhea (Willard). As a capillary constrictor it may be useful for migraine headaches (Tilford). The dried leaves have been smoked as a hallucinogen, but with serious side effects. It causes an immediate reduction in the white blood cell count and makes the hair fallout (JEmboden). Vinblastine and vincristine are two indole alkaloids derived from a species of periwinkle that are used in the treatment of blood and lymph cancers." [BIAD]
"The secondary metabolites of C. roseus have received particular attention as containing numbers of physiologically potent indole alkaloids. The alkaloids, called Vinca alkaloids, have been thoroughly studied (Taylor and Farnsworth 1975), and over 60 kinds of alkaloids have been isolated and identified from the plant. Major alkaloids are ajmalicine and serpentine, which are known to be useful in the treatment of hypertension. Vindolin and catharanthine are biosynthetic precursors ofthe dimeric indole alkaloid, vinblastine (vincaleukablastine), which is one of the most valuable Vinca alkaloids used in nti-cancer therapy. The production of the alkaloids in the intact plant of C. roseus is quite limited. Therefore, the cell culture of this plant has been carried out extensively in many laboratories for the production of valuable secondary metabolites (see Van der Heijden et al. 1989; Hirata et al. 1994). On the other hand, steroidal components of C. roseus have attracted little attention. The seed oil of the plant has been found to contain sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol as the main sterols (Saeed et al. 1991)." [Bajaj MAPS 9]
"Catharanthus roseus contains more than 120 different types of alkaloids, designated as terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs). Among the TIAs, vincristine (VCR) and vinblastine (VLB) find extensive use in the treatments of leukaemias, lymphomas, small cell lung cancer and other malignancies (Noble, 1990; Pratt et al., 1994). Vincristine has been an integral component of combination chemotherapy regimens for ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) and plays an important role in the treatment of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. It has also been used in combination with other agents to treat Wilm’s tumour, Ewing’s sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma in children; and multiple myeloma, breast cancer and small cell lung cancer in adults. Vinblastine is used for the treatment of cell cancers of the testes and advanced Hodgkin’s disease, and is commonly used in combination with other agents to treat carcinomas of the breast and bladder, Kaposi’s sarcoma and other neoplasms (Rowinsky and Donehower, 1997). The indole alkaloids of Catharanthus represent a market of considerable economic interest and there is a potential in-house demand as well as a world-wide international market. The anti-cancer Catharanthus alkaloids have a market value as follows: vincristine ($3,5,00,000 per kg); vinblastine ($1,000,000/ kg) (Veltkamp et al., 1985). Their retail value is more than $20,000/ g (Curtin, 1983). The high prices are mainly due to the costly methods currently available for production of these compounds, and the low yields obtained from the source plants, e.g., the yield of vincristine from C. roseus whole plants is of the order of 0.0003–0.0005%, which happens to be the lowest yield of any medicinally useful alkaloid produced on a commercial basis (Taylor and Farnsworth, 1975; Curtin, 1983). Nearly 500 kg of leaves are needed to produce just 1 g of purified vincristine, meaning thereby that about 10,000–15,000 kg leaves are required to produce just 30 g of the drug. Up to 16 weeks may be required for processing. This is one of the reasons behind the high cost of these alkaloids. In the 1970s, the annual world supply of these drugs was of the order of 4.5 kg. The current annual demand for the dimeric/monomeric alkaloids is as follows: VCR: 1 kg per year; VLB: 12 kg per year; ajmalicine: 5000 kg/ year. India happens to be the third largest manufacturer of vinblastine and vincristine in the world and these alkaloids are exported to Europe and America (Rama Rao and Gurjar, 1990). In 1985–86, Indian exports of Catharanthus roots alone were worth US$140,625, and in 1987–88, US$171,875. In 1993–94 Vinca alkaloids alone worth > US$210,000 were exported (Chaudhri, 1996). The demand of these alkaloids in the international market has been steadily increasing." [Arora MPB]
"The genus name, Catharanthus, refers to ‘pure flower’. Catharanthus is often considered synonymous to Vinca, however, certain authors disagree with the proposition that Catharanthus and Vinca are one and the same. As of now, Catharanthus and Vinca are considered two different species." [PTH]
"Some confusion exists about the botanical name of this plant, and names such as Lochnera rosea, Vinca rosea, and Ammocallis rosea are sometimes used; the correct name is Catharanthus roseus [2]. Vinca is another genus in the Apocynaceae, and Vinca major and V. minor are classified in this genus, but produce a very different range of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. Occasionally, the bisindole alkaloids vinblastine (vincaleukoblastine, VLB) and vincristine (leurocristine, VCR) are referred to as “Vinca” alkaloids, which is a misnomer; these bisindole alkaloids should be correctly referred to as Catharanthus alkaloids." [Funayama Alkaloids]