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Pink catharanthus is a highly ornamental plant with valuable healing properties. Medicinal raw materials are used in official and folk medicine.
Multi-colored catharanthus is a spectacular decoration for any garden and balcony.
Where does it grow
Pink catharanthus, or periwinkle, (Latin name - Vinca rosea) is a low evergreen shrub that belongs to the Kutrovaceae family. Synonymous designations are lochnera rosea and periclus. Periwinkle, growing in the tropics and subtropics, reaches a height of 0.6 m. It is characteristic of the jungles of Madagascar and Southeast Asia.
In the middle zone, until recently, tropical periwinkle spread as an indoor crop and was quite rare. In the Kuban and Caucasus, small plantations of catharanthus rosea are grown for pharmaceutical needs. Bush height up to 30 cm.
In the European part of the country, in a moderately warm climate, the small periwinkle species is grown in gardens. Its properties differ from catharanthus rosea.Periwinkle is a ground cover that often retains its leathery, glossy leaves under the snow, especially in winters with mild frosts. In spring, a clump of small periwinkle up to 12-14 cm high is covered with lilac-blue flowers, 2-2.5 cm in diameter.
Chemical composition
Catharanthus affects the human body due to the presence of special substances - up to 100 alkaloids, about 80 of which prevent the development of cancer cells. Specific antitumor alkaloids of rose vinca are included in pharmaceutical drugs. In addition to these important substances for the treatment of destructive diseases, pink periwinkle greens are rich in micro- and macroelements. They release sufficient amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and others. Despite the significant medicinal properties of pink periwinkle, it also has many contraindications.
Varieties
Breeders are constantly working on the emergence of new hybrids of periwinkle, which is a true decoration of flower beds and container compositions. Flower shops offer a wide selection of catharanthus of different corolla colors. Particularly bright and expressive petals are found in the varieties Tattoo and Pacifica, which have several varieties with different shades.
Black Cherry
The Black Cherry periwinkle variety has a rich color of the petals - an intense pink-burgundy color shimmers into a velvety black patina when the light plays. Catharanthus rosea Vinca Tattoo Black Cherry blooms for a long time, almost all summer. The corolla is from 4 to 6 cm in diameter. The compact bush branches luxuriantly, with a diameter of more than half a meter, without going beyond 20 cm in height.
In the Tatu variety, the effect of luminescence from the corolla at certain times of the day is noted
Papaya
The corollas of Catharanthus rosea Tattoo Papaya have interesting colors, which have beautiful, delicate transitions of peach-salmon tints.
The leaves are lanceolate, dark green, clearly emphasizing the delicate beauty of the Papaya variety. The corollas are 4-6 cm wide. Periwinkle buds open throughout the summer.
The middle is very rich, dark, like all varieties of Tatu periwinkle, with subtle tints of intense pink, turning into purple.
Rasberry
The petals of catharanthus rosea vinca Tattoo Rasberry, according to reviews, are distinguished by a delicate, soft carmine color. The shades of the corolla echo the raspberry nuances, but without the dark rich color. The bush in full bloom amazes with the delicacy of color emanating from the opened buds. The rich greenery of the thick leaves is an advantageous backdrop for graceful flowers. The Tattoo Raspberry plant is highly branched, with vines extending up to 50 cm.
To make the bush seem more luxuriant, several roots of pink periwinkle Rasberry are planted in one pot.
Pacifica
The Catharanthus variety Pacifica is known for its charming corolla colors. Pacifica is distinguished by a variety of shades ranging from deep pink, turning into purple, to white with a pink center. Catharanthus Pacifica Pink Ice has petals of the lightest carmine color emanating from a deep pink center. An early flowering bush actively forms new shoots with buds, rises to 30-35 cm. The crown spreads up to 40-50 cm. Before flowering, the bush is overgrown with densely spaced, leathery, dark green leaves.
The flowers are large, over 4-5 cm
Dandy
The flowers of pink periwinkle, or catharanthus, Goldfinch can be of various shades, as seen on the branded packaging, from burgundy-pink to bluish-lilac and white with a crimson center. Flowering is long lasting. Miniature bushes are placed in the sun and provided with abundant watering for lush flowering.
Seeds of the Shchegol variety can be selected according to the designations on the packaging: the main criterion is color
Burgundy
Belongs to the variety type Catharanthus rosea Pacifica and expressive Burgundy. The corollas of periwinkle have a delightful shade of intense burgundy color, which is associated with the classic visual perception of Burgundy wine. The center of the flower is light, emphasizing the color of the petals. The plant is very impressive, ideal for balcony gardening.
The height of the periwinkle bush is up to 30 cm
Medicinal properties of pink catharanthus
Catharanthus became known to US scientists as a medicinal plant after World War II. American soldiers stationed in the Philippine Islands were unable to obtain the insulin they needed in time and were treated by consuming rose periwinkle leaves on the advice of local healers.
While studying the tropical plant's ability to lower sugar, researchers made an important discovery. In animals already suffering from leukemia, on which tests were carried out in the laboratory, positive changes occurred in the blood count. Thus, catharanthus alkaloids were identified that prevent the development of metastases: vincaleucoblastine and leurocristine.
Healers in Southeast Asia and Madagascar use extracts from catharanthus for cancer, trophic ulcers, diseases of the lungs, intestines, genitourinary organs and hypertension.Pink periwinkle is also used as an antibiotic, in addition to its recognized hypotensive, antitumor and antispasmodic properties.
Application in medicine
More in-depth research on the plant has led to the development of anticancer drugs in different countries. Rosevin is known in Russia and is used to treat malignant tumors and mycosis fungoides. Although a complete cure cannot be achieved with drugs from this plant. In addition, toxic substances negatively affect the body. In official medicine, the following drugs based on catharanthus rosea are known: Rosevin, or Vinblastine in international practice, Vincristine, Vinorelbine, Vindesine.
Folk remedies
Traditional healers in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar, where pink periwinkle is widespread, use extracts from its raw materials in the treatment of diarrhea, dengue, and malaria. With the help of products from the beautifully flowering shrub, wounds are healed, the condition is alleviated after insect bites, toothache, and high blood pressure, since catharanthus, like the lesser periwinkle, contains the substance reservin. Traditional healers use their recipes to cure hemorrhoids, prostate, uterus with fibroids and polyps.
In Russia, a popular recipe for rose periwinkle is used as a blood purifier if the lymphatic system is affected by a malignant tumor. Dried pink periwinkle leaves (2 tbsp) are poured with 250 ml of 70% alcohol and left for 10 days in a place where light does not penetrate, at a temperature of 20 ° C. Then the tincture is filtered and taken 60 minutes before meals three times a day according to the following schedule:
- for the first 14 days, dissolve 5 drops of tincture in 50 ml of water;
- 7 days of rest;
- 10 drops of tincture are dissolved in 50 ml of water and taken for 14 days;
- 7 days of rest.
The medicine from Vinca rosea is taken in this algorithm for 8 weeks, taking a week break every 14 days. Treatment begins again after 3 months.
A beautiful medicinal plant, but the anti-carcinogenic properties of tropical periwinkle do not lead to complete recovery
For inflammation of the small and large intestines, skin diseases, non-healing wounds of various origins, gangrene, take orally an aqueous infusion of pink periwinkle:
- 1 tbsp. l. dry leaves are covered with 250 ml of boiling water;
- continue to boil for 25-30 seconds;
- cool for half an hour;
- filter;
- drink, dissolving 1 tsp. in 50 ml of water, 1 hour before meals, 2 or 3 times a day.
Skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections are treated by applying compresses from an alcohol extract of catharanthus.
Procurement and storage of raw materials
Catharanthus leaves are collected from August 20 to September 10-15. Lay out in a room where direct rays of the sun do not penetrate, but there is air flow. Medicinal raw materials are suitable for a year, according to other sources – for 3 years.
Contraindications
Catharanthus rosea has a lot of toxic substances that cause side effects in the body when taking medications. Allergic reactions or burns may appear on the skin after compresses. It is contraindicated to take any medications based on Vinca rosea:
- pregnant and lactating women;
- children;
- patients with low blood pressure;
- those who are predisposed to allergies.
Conclusion
Pink catharanthus will decorate any flower arrangement in the garden and on the balcony. Dry raw materials of a tropical plant will help alleviate the condition of severe diseases.
