Catharanthus



Catharanthus

White Catharanthus roseus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
G.Don
Species

See text

Catharanthus (Madagascar Periwinkle) is a genus of eight species of herbaceous perennial plants, seven endemic to the island of Madagascar, the eighth native to the Indian subcontinent in southern Asia.[1][2]

Species
  • Catharanthus coriaceus Markgr. Madagascar.
  • Catharanthus lanceus (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon. Madagascar.
  • Catharanthus longifolius (Pichon) Pichon. Madagascar.
  • Catharanthus ovalis Markgr. Madagascar.
  • Catharanthus pusillus (Murray) G.Don. Indian subcontinent.
  • Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don. Madagascar.
  • Catharanthus scitulus (Pichon) Pichon. Madagascar.
  • Catharanthus trichophyllus (Baker) Pichon. Madagascar.

Uses and cultivation

The species are self-propagating from seed; the seeds require a period of total darkness to germinate. Cuttings from mature plants will also root readily.

One species, C. roseus, has been widely cultivated and introduced, becoming an invasive species in some areas.

Pharmacological uses

  C. roseus has gained interest from the disinfectants. The extracts are not without their side effects, however, which include hair loss.

Vinca alkaloids

Vinca nootropic drugs.[3]

Catharanthus lanceus contains up to 6% yohimbine in its leaves.[4]

References

  1. ^ Flora of Madagascar: Catharanthus
  2. ^ Germplasm Resources Information Network: Catharanthus
  3. ^ DrugDigest: Catharanthus roseus
  4. ^ Madagascan Periwinkle

References

  1. ^ Flora of Madagascar: Catharanthus
  2. ^ Germplasm Resources Information Network: Catharanthus
  3. ^ DrugDigest: Catharanthus roseus
  4. ^ Madagascan Periwinkle
 
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