Vinca minor

Latin Name: Vinca minor      

Common name: Periwinkle

Family: Apocynaceae

Parts used: Aerial (leaf)

Constituents: Indole alkaloids (Vincristine & Vinblastine), tannins, volatile oils (terpenoids), flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols.

Medicinal actions: Atringent, cerebral circulatory stimulant, cytotoxic (anti-cancer).

Medicinal use: Has a long tradition in herbal medicine, particularly in the treatment of diabetes. Increases cerebral uptake of oxygen and glucose and is specific for cerebral arteriosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, glaucoma, stroke, brain trauma etc. Is often combined with Ginkgo, Rosemary, Centella for poor memory and/or disordered thinking.

Pharmacology:

• Alkaloids have anticancer activity (mostly for leukemia and lymphoma), being anti-mitotic& anti- microtubule agents; they are established as cytotoxic and chiefly block mitosis through metaphase arrest.

Pharmacy:

• Tincture: (1:5, 60%), 1-5 ml TID. 100 ml weekly max.

Toxicity: None expected within recommended doses.

Contraindications: None known.

Interactions: None known.