Tag: Vinca minor

Unlike simple herbal extracts, Vinpocetine is a synthetic compound, chemically created in a laboratory rather than being directly harvested from nature. Its creation begins with a naturally occurring alkaloid, vincamine, which is extracted from the leaves of the lesser periwinkle plant (*Vinca minor*).

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.

According to studies, there is confusion around the term 'periwinkle' due to its multiple meanings, including a plant and a sea snail. For those wondering, the answer to 'does periwinkle contain iron?' depends on which type of periwinkle you are considering, as the marine mollusk is a notable source while the plant contains a much smaller amount.

The term “periwinkle” can refer to both a nutritious sea snail and a medicinal plant with a completely different profile, leading to significant confusion about its benefits. This article clarifies what nutrients periwinkle gives, highlighting the distinct properties of the edible aquatic mollusk and the alkaloid-rich land plant.

According to nutritional databases, the edible marine periwinkle snail is a rich source of Vitamin B12, containing approximately 12% of the recommended daily allowance per 100 grams, a vital nutrient notably absent in the toxic periwinkle plant. This critical distinction highlights the difference in what vitamins are in periwinkle, depending on the species.