Does Periwinkle Have Cholesterol? A Comparison of the Herb and Mollusc

The term "periwinkle" can refer to both a genus of flowering plants (Catharanthus) and an edible marine snail (Tympanotonus fuscatus), a distinction crucial for understanding if periwinkle has cholesterol. A recent study confirmed the edible mollusc contains a small amount of cholesterol.

Quick Summary

The flowering periwinkle herb contains no dietary cholesterol, as it is a plant-based food. Conversely, the edible marine snail has a small, low-fat cholesterol content but is also high in protein.

Key Points

• Two Types of Periwinkle: The term 'periwinkle' can refer to both an edible marine snail and a flowering herb, with different cholesterol profiles.

• Marine Snail Cholesterol: The edible marine periwinkle snail contains a very small, low-fat amount of dietary cholesterol, as it is an animal product.

• Plant Periwinkle is Cholesterol-Free: The flowering periwinkle plant contains zero dietary cholesterol, which is consistent with all plant-based foods.

• Herb Extracts May Lower Cholesterol: Bioactive compounds from the periwinkle plant have demonstrated a hypolipidemic effect, helping to lower blood cholesterol levels in some studies.

• Do Not Self-Medicate with Plant: Despite its medicinal potential, the plant itself should not be consumed for health benefits due to safety concerns and potential toxicity.

• Different Nutritional Benefits: While the mollusc offers low-fat protein and minerals, the plant's value comes from specific alkaloid extracts used in controlled medical applications.

Distinguishing the Two Types of Periwinkle

To answer the question, "does periwinkle have cholesterol," it is necessary to first identify which 'periwinkle' is being discussed. The confusion arises because the same common name is used for two very different biological organisms: a land plant and a marine animal. The answer regarding cholesterol differs significantly for each one.

The Marine Periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus)

This edible sea snail is a mollusc consumed in various parts of the world, including Nigeria, where its nutritional content has been studied. As an animal product, it does contain a very small, low-fat amount of cholesterol. Research indicates a crude cholesterol content of 0.1±0.01 mg/100g. The mollusc is also a good source of protein, minerals, and amino acids.

The Flowering Periwinkle Plant (Catharanthus roseus)

Known as Madagascar periwinkle, this flowering herb is used for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Unlike the mollusc, this plant contains no dietary cholesterol, as cholesterol is found exclusively in animal products. Plants instead produce phytosterols. Catharanthus roseus is known for its powerful alkaloids, such as vinblastine and vincristine, used in chemotherapy, and also contains antioxidants. Studies suggest extracts from this plant may have a hypolipidemic effect, potentially helping to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Comparison: Periwinkle Mollusc vs. Plant

Feature	Marine Periwinkle (Mollusc)	Flowering Periwinkle (Plant)
Cholesterol	Yes, contains a very small, low-fat amount (approx. 0.1 mg/100g).	No, completely cholesterol-free.
Source	Animal (mollusc)	Plant (herb)
Protein	High (over 70% in meat sample).	Present as amino acids but not a significant dietary protein source.
Saturated Fat	Low fat content, but present.	Naturally contains negligible saturated fat.
Active Compounds	Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals.	Alkaloids (vinblastine, vincristine), flavonoids, antioxidants.
Effect on Blood Lipids	Low dietary cholesterol; high omega-3 may be beneficial.	Extracts have shown a hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) effect in studies.

Clarifying the Health Impacts

The health implications of periwinkle depend on whether you are considering the mollusc or the plant. The marine snail is a low-fat, high-protein food with minimal dietary cholesterol. While moderation of animal product intake is advisable for cholesterol control, these snails are not a significant source compared to other foods.

The flowering periwinkle plant is not suitable for direct consumption as an herb for nutritional benefits, as ingestion can be unsafe. Its potential health benefits related to lipids are linked to extracts used in controlled medical settings and research. For instance, vincamine, a chemical from the plant, can be converted into vinpocetine, studied for its effects on blood flow and memory. These are isolated compounds, and the plant itself should not be self-administered. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical applications and dosage. More information on the plant's uses and warnings can be found on Drugs.com.

Conclusion

To conclude, whether periwinkle contains cholesterol hinges on the specific organism: yes for the edible marine mollusc (in very small amounts), and no for the flowering herb. The sea snail, an animal product, has a trace of dietary cholesterol, while the plant is cholesterol-free. The plant does contain bioactive compounds with potential medical uses, including those that have shown promise in reducing blood cholesterol levels. Understanding this distinction is vital for informed dietary and health decisions.

References

• Moruf, O. A., & Ogungbenle, H. N. (2021). Cholesterol Content and Food Properties of Three Edible Aquatic Molluscs Found in Lagos, Nigeria. Ife Journal of Agriculture, 33(1), 1–9. https://ija.oauife.edu.ng/index.php/ija/article/view/594
• UCSF Health. (n.d.). Cholesterol Content of Foods | Patient Education. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/cholesterol-content-of-foods
• Drugs.com. (2025). Periwinkle Uses, Benefits & Side Effects. https://www.drugs.com/npc/periwinkle.html
• Ogungbenle, H. N., & Omowole, B. M. (2012). Chemical, functional and amino acid composition of periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus var radula) meat. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 13(2), 27–32. https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v13-2/027.pdf
• Antia, B. S., & Okokon, J. E. (2005). Effect of leaf juice of Catharanthus roseus Linn on cholesterol metabolism in rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 37(6), 384–386. https://journals.lww.com/iphr/fulltext/2005/37060/effect_of_leaf_juice_of_catharanthus_roseus_linn.13.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the marine periwinkle snail high in cholesterol?

No, the edible marine periwinkle snail contains a very low amount of cholesterol, about 0.1 mg per 100g, and is also low in fat.

Does the flowering periwinkle plant contain any cholesterol?

No, the flowering periwinkle plant (Catharanthus roseus) is a plant-based organism and, like all plants, is naturally free of dietary cholesterol.

Can periwinkle extracts help lower my blood cholesterol?

Yes, studies have shown that certain extracts from the periwinkle plant have a hypolipidemic effect, which can help reduce levels of total and 'bad' cholesterol in the blood.

Is it safe to eat the periwinkle plant for its health benefits?

No, you should not ingest parts of the periwinkle plant for its health benefits. The plant is considered unsafe to consume directly, with potential toxic effects.

What is the primary difference between the two periwinkles?

The main difference is that one is an animal (the edible sea snail) and the other is a flowering plant. This fundamental distinction determines their respective cholesterol content.

Which type of periwinkle is commonly eaten?

The marine periwinkle, the edible sea snail, is the type of periwinkle that is consumed as a low-fat, high-protein food.

What health compounds are in the periwinkle plant?

The periwinkle plant contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids like vincristine and vinblastine, along with flavonoids and other antioxidants.