Tag: Vinca alkaloids

Despite its long history in folk medicine, the Madagascar periwinkle was found to be ineffective and dangerous during scientific trials for diabetes, instead leading to a breakthrough in cancer treatment. This raises the critical question: is periwinkle good for diabetic patients, or are the risks too severe for self-treatment?

Despite its ornamental beauty and use in pharmaceutical applications, all parts of the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) are highly toxic if ingested. This plant contains powerful poisonous chemicals known as vinca alkaloids, which can lead to severe health issues and even be fatal.

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.

According to the Kew Gardens, all parts of the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) are toxic if eaten. This ornamental plant, while beautiful, contains powerful and poisonous compounds that can cause severe illness or death if ingested. This article definitively answers the question, "Can I eat Madagascar periwinkle?" and provides crucial safety information.

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.

While sadabahar, also known as Madagascar periwinkle (*Catharanthus roseus*), is widely used in traditional medicine and prized for its ornamental blooms, all parts of the plant, including the flowers, are toxic to humans and should not be consumed. This beautiful but dangerous plant contains potent alkaloids that can cause serious health complications if ingested.

Over 400 alkaloids, including powerful anti-cancer agents, have been isolated from the toxic Madagascar periwinkle plant (*Catharanthus roseus*), but it is critically important not to confuse it with the edible periwinkle snail, which offers a range of beneficial nutrients.