Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle)
- Sue Snell
- Digital Images
- Online
About this work
Description
Shows single pink flower on dark green leafed plant. It is the source of vinca alkaloids, used in chemotherapy (as vinblastine, vincristine, etc) for leukaemia and other cancers. Has been used as a herbal remedy for diabetes. Its investigation as a treatment for arthritis led to the discovery of its cytotoxic properties.