Catharanthus Roseus
1. History and use
Imported plant, Madagascar periwinkle is little used by African traditional healers, it is reported as a decoction antidiabetic, indication for which it was widely used in Madagascar. lt is trying to verify this action that Canadian researchers have discovered the antinitotic action of the aerial parts of this plant, while the root contains an alkaloid responsible for the antihypertensive action.
2. Description of the plant
It is a perennial plant up to 50 cm tall. The pink or white flowers have a corolla with 5 lobes shaped wheel. The leaves are simple and opposite. The roots are very developed. This plant is grown as ornamental in all urban gardens and is easily grown in sandy soils.
3. Curative action
The periwinkle of Madagascar is the plant that has given rise to the greatest number of works the in last twenty years. The alkaloids responsible for the antidiabetic action have been isolated. It has been discovered in the aerial parts two very antimitotic alkaloids aerial parts two very antimitotic alkaloids currently used in leukemia. The root contains an indole alkaloid, ajmalicin responsible for antihypertensive action.
4. Uses
- Tension: A decoction of 5 grams of powdered roots in 150 ml of water is drunk and you drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Diabetes: We drink a decoction of 30 g of Periwinkle leaves in one liter of water in one day.
