Tag: Madagascar periwinkle

According to reputable medical sources like WebMD, the raw periwinkle plant is unsafe for oral consumption and can cause severe side effects, including nerve, kidney, and liver damage. This critical safety information directly contradicts claims of health benefits from drinking periwinkle water.

Periwinkle refers to two distinct sources—the edible marine snail and the medicinal plant, most notably the highly toxic Madagascar periwinkle, *Catharanthus roseus*. Research has shown that alkaloids extracted from the plant have revolutionized cancer treatment, while the snail is a nutritious source of protein and omega-3s.

Periwinkle is a common name that refers to both the medicinal plant species, like the Madagascar periwinkle (*Catharanthus roseus*), and the edible marine snail (*Littorina littorea*). However, the minerals in periwinkle vary dramatically depending on which type is being discussed, with the sea snail offering a rich source of dietary minerals, while the plant is known for its potent alkaloids rather than its mineral content.