Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions

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Barnett, C. J., Cullinan, G. J., Gerzon, K., Hoying, R. C., Jones, W. E., Newlon, W. M., Poore, G. A., Robison, R. L., Sweeney, M. J., Todd, G. C., Dyke, R. W., and Nelson, R. L. Structure-activity relationships of dimeric Catharanthus alkaloids. 1. Deacetylvinblastine amide (vindesine) sulfate. J.Med.Chem. 1978;21(1):88-96. View abstract.

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Fischhof, P. K., Moslinger-Gehmayr, R., Herrmann, W. M., Friedmann, A., and Russmann, D. L. Therapeutic efficacy of vincamine in dementia. Neuropsychobiology 1996;34(1):29-35. View abstract.

Foldi, M., Obal, F., and Szeghy, G. [On the effect of Devincan (Vinca minor alkaloid) on the EEG and the fundus oculi pattern in patients with cerebral sclerosis]. Med.Welt. 9-11-1965;37:2122-2124. View abstract.

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Hirsh, V., Desjardins, P., Needles, B. M., Rigas, J. R., Jahanzeb, M., Nguyen, L., Zembryki, D., and Leopold, L. H. Oral versus intravenous administration of vinorelbine as a single agent for the first-line treatment of metastatic nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC): A randomized phase II trial. Am.J.Clin.Oncol. 2007;30(3):245-251. View abstract.

Jacquillat, C. and Weil, M. [Periwinkle alkaloids. Treatment of Hodgkin’s disease and leukemia]. Sem.Ther. 1964;40(6):395-400. View abstract.

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Leveque, D. and Jehl, F. Clinical pharmacokinetics of vinorelbine. Clin.Pharmacokinet. 1996;31(3):184-197. View abstract.

Lu, Y., Hou, S. X., and Chen, T. [Advances in the study of vincristine: an anticancer ingredient from Catharanthus roseus]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2003;28(11):1006-1009. View abstract.

Mans, D. R., da Rocha, A. B., and Schwartsmann, G. Anti-cancer drug discovery and development in Brazil: targeted plant collection as a rational strategy to acquire candidate anti-cancer compounds. Oncologist. 2000;5(3):185-198. View abstract.

Mukhopadhyay, S. and Cordell, G. A. Catharanthus alkaloids. XXXV. Isolation of leurosidine N’b-oxide from Catharanthus roseus. J.Nat.Prod. 1981;44(5):611-613. View abstract.

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Nakabayashi, M., Ling, J., Xie, W., Regan, M. M., and Oh, W. K. Response to vinorelbine with or without estramustine as second-line chemotherapy in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Cancer J. 2007;13(2):125-129. View abstract.

Ng, R., Hasan, B., Mittmann, N., Florescu, M., Shepherd, F. A., Ding, K., Butts, C. A., Cormier, Y., Darling, G., Goss, G. D., Inculet, R., Seymour, L., Winton, T. L., Evans, W. K., and Leighl, N. B. Economic analysis of NCIC CTG JBR.10: a randomized trial of adjuvant vinorelbine plus cisplatin compared with observation in early stage non-small-cell lung cancer–a report of the Working Group on Economic Analysis, and the Lung Disease Site Group, National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group. J.Clin.Oncol. 6-1-2007;25(16):2256-2261. View abstract.

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Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Periwinkle is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Don’t confuse periwinkle with Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).

Despite serious safety concerns, people use periwinkle for memory and thinking, diarrhea, vaginal discharge, sore throat, and toothache, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. It can also help reduce swelling (inflammation) and have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

• Tonsillitis.
• Sore throat.
• Intestinal swelling (inflammation).
• Toothache.
• Chest pain.
• Wounds.
• High blood pressure.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of periwinkle for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Periwinkle is UNSAFE. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other stomach and intestinal symptoms. It can also cause nerve, kidney, and liver damage. Large amounts can cause very low blood pressure.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Periwinkle is UNSAFE. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other stomach and intestinal symptoms. It can also cause nerve, kidney, and liver damage. Large amounts can cause very low blood pressure. Periwinkle is UNSAFE for anyone to use, but people with certain conditions are especially at risk for harmful side effects.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Periwinkle is UNSAFE. Don’t use it.

Constipation: Periwinkle has a drying effect on tissues. This means it can make constipation worse. Don’t use it.

Low blood pressure: Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure, using periwinkle can make it drop too low. Don’t use it.

Surgery: Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using periwinkle at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Periwinkle seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking periwinkle along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

  Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of periwinkle depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for periwinkle. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

description, medicinal properties and contraindications for use

Lesser periwinkle (brilliant green, burial ground, tomb grass) is a perennial herbal plant with beautiful pink or azure flowers. This grass can adapt to any growing conditions, and is very tenacious. The composition contains alkaloids, which have a versatile effect. It has antitumor properties, greatly reduces blood pressure. The plant is poisonous, therefore, care must be taken during application.

• Periwinkle flowers: Basic properties
  • Plant description
  • Distribution and geography
  • Procurement and collection
  • Properties and composition
• Periwinkle use
  • Infusion during hypertension
  • Skin treatment tincture
  • Infusion during bleeding
• Side effects and contraindications

Periwinkle is a large group of plants . This includes perennial grasses and subshrubs that grow almost all over the world. However, not all representatives of the huge family are used in folk treatment. Of particular interest is only the small periwinkle, the contraindications and medicinal properties of which are described quite fully today.

Periwinkle Flowers: Basic Properties

The periwinkle flower has a large number of unique properties , because it can be found in many cultures of the peoples of Asia and Europe. This plant is characterized by phenomenal vitality. The leaves remain on the evergreen shrub for a long time, and in spring the periwinkle looks almost as beautiful as in autumn. Plucked inflorescences do not wither for a very long time, they remain fresh until at least one drop of water feeds them.

Due to its amazing resistance to external conditions, this herb was credited with magical powers. This plant was considered a talisman from evil spirits, a source of eternal life. In the Middle Ages, this plant acquired the significance of a ritual and funerary flower. Periwinkle was planted in cemeteries, revered as a symbol of memory of the deceased and eternal love, this explains its popular names: grave grass, burial ground. Wreaths were woven from this plant for divination; in Germany, witches were tracked with the help of a magic flower.

Plant description

Periwinkle is an evergreen subshrub with a cylindrical soft stem . It spreads along the ground, and does not grow up, outwardly resembling a liana. However, the shoots of this grass are not very large, the size of bare stems reaches no more than seventy centimeters. The bush is dotted with a large number of leaves that have a rich green hue with pronounced veins.

The grass begins to bloom in May, at which time small flowers open on the tops of the shoots, which have the correct shape. In the small periwinkle, they are pink or white, which is why the shrub is also called the pink periwinkle. In the closest relative of the large periwinkle, the flowers have a bluish tint; in folk medicine, these flowers are not used. Flowering lasts for quite a long time – until the beginning of autumn, then seeds in the form of smooth pods begin to form in place of the flowers.

The crop spreads quite quickly , it takes root well in places of accidental seeding and planting. Therefore, very often near the territory with an organized periwinkle planting (in cemeteries or in park areas), clearings of evergreen wild grass with neat pink flowers are formed.

Distribution and Geography

Periwinkle grass can be found today in all parts of the world. This plant grows in Europe, here the grass is cultivated for medicinal and decorative purposes. It grows in South and North America, Asia, Australia and Africa.

Indonesia is considered to be the birthplace of this plant, from this country the distribution of periwinkle began in ancient times. In our country, the periwinkle grows in the Crimea, in the southwestern and southern regions. The shrub prefers steppe slopes and forest edges; it is very often populated in thickets by other types of creeping plants.

On an industrial scale periwinkle is cultivated as an annual plant on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

Procurement and collection

The entire aerial part of this herb is used as a medicinal raw material. Harvesting is performed during the mass flowering of the plant, when the stems of the periwinkle are especially rich in useful elements. Shoots are cut almost near the ground, at a distance of several centimeters.

The resulting raw materials are transferred under a metal roof or canopy. The required temperature for drying the plant is 40-60 degrees . Drying chambers are often used for harvesting, in which the process of preparing medical material is much faster. The duration of storage of medicinal material is no more than two years.

Properties and composition

The healing properties of periwinkle have been known since ancient times. This herb was used by the ancient Greek healers Dioscorides and Pliny, which proves the mentions in the annals.

The study of the composition of periwinkle flowers and grass was carried out in the days of the Soviet Union. However, this plant has not been fully studied until today. It is only known that this herb contains alkaloids , more than thirty compounds have been isolated.

• Alkaloids vinorelbine, vincristine, vinblastine . These are complex chemical compounds from the cytostatic group. At the moment, the above elements are classified as vital means during cancer treatment. Cytostatics destroy the processes of development and growth of all body cells, thus preventing the spread of malignant neoplasms.
• Devincan alkaloid . This organic compound, which exhibits sedative properties, moderately lowers blood pressure. The hypotensive effect is due to the ability of devincan to reduce the tone of the vessels, expanding the vessels of the brain of the head and reducing the pronounced resistance of peripheral vessels. Based on this alkaloid, which was isolated from the periwinkle plant, the drug “Devinkan” is made. It is prescribed during stage 1-2 hypertension.
• Alkaloids vincamine, minorine, pubiscine, vinine . In composition, these elements are similar to reserpine, a chemical compound that has a complex effect on the body. Reserpine acts on the nervous peripheral system, improving the productivity of neurochemical processes and relaxing the central nervous system. Reserpine preparations are used in psychiatric medicine to treat mental disorders.

This medicinal herb contains ursolic acid, tannins, a high content of rutin, carotene and vitamins C. The herb is very poisonous, therefore it requires extreme caution in use.

Use of lesser periwinkle

Rich in chemical elements, periwinkle has a versatile effect on the body . In therapeutic practice, this plant is used as a remedy for the treatment of hypertension. The medicinal tincture has a calming effect, lowers blood pressure, while taking the drug has a hypotensive effect that lasts for three and a half hours. Reduces the tone of the brain vessels and expands them.

The presence of tannins in the composition provides a hemostatic and astringent effect, therefore the use of periwinkle is practiced during the treatment of uterine and nasal bleeding, diarrhea. Tannins are very powerful antiseptics, therefore, as rinses and lotions, periwinkle decoction can help heal wounds, reduce the appearance of skin rashes, reduce itching, and accelerate the recovery of inflamed tissues.

Infusion during hypertension

Vinca infusion is used to treat hypertension in the first and second stages. It is necessary to use the drug in a course – for fifteen days, then take a break.

Preparation of the medicinal product:

• The herb of the plant must be crushed. It is necessary to use one teaspoon of raw materials.
• Add about 250 ml boiling water.
• Let it brew for about half an hour.
• Strain before use.
• It is necessary to use the drug no more than three times daily, one tablespoon.

Tincture for skin treatment

The healing properties of this herbal culture are also manifested in the high-quality disinfection of the skin during purulent wounds, eczema, complicated dermatitis. The recommended infusion is used only for external treatments. It is prohibited to use it internally.

Preparation of the infusion:

• It is necessary to grind dry grass, which will require one tablespoon of raw materials.
• Add three hundred milliliters of boiling water.
• Place on a steam bath, simmer on the stove for half an hour, do not bring to a boil.
• Cool and express.

Affected areas should be washed several times daily. During external use, this remedy does not pose a danger of intoxication.

Infusion during bleeding

Medicinal herb increases blood clotting, this can be used to treat bleeding of an established etiology. It is not advised to use the infusion for an unidentified cause of bleeding, since these conditions can pose a threat to the patient’s life.

Preparation of the medicinal product:

• First, you need to grind the raw materials, one teaspoon is required for use.
• Add two hundred and fifty milliliters of boiling water.
• Steam for twenty minutes.
• Let it brew for another half an hour.
• Express.

Use healing infusion up to three times daily for 1/3 cup.

Side effects and contraindications

Even taking into account the fact that the vinca alkaloid carries a large amount of positive substances , acting on the human body, it is necessary to be very careful with it. You do not need to self-medicate and before using any tincture, decoction or purchasing medications, you should consult your doctor. Do not forget that periwinkle is a very poisonous plant and any deviation from the prescribed dosage or improper intake can lead to disruption of the blood vessels and heart.

Recipes for infusions and decoctions based on the periwinkle plant have a complex effect on the body. All means relax the nervous system, lower blood pressure, therefore they are highly effective in the treatment of arterial hypertension. On the basis of the studied properties, anticancer drugs are made from periwinkle alkaloids. At home, it is necessary to use medicinal raw materials very carefully due to the toxicity of this herb. It is safe to use in the form of infusions for external skin treatments.

Periwinkle (grass), 30g – Periwinkle

Latin name: Vinca minor va, ivy, greenery, flower, vinca, burial ground, fidelity grass, barvin , forest periwinkle, barivets, varvinok, cornflower, grave grass, noyushka, epilepsy, povoi, blueberry, wreath, chreshchatik.

Lesser periwinkle is distributed mainly in Central and Southern Europe and the Caucasus. Wild periwinkle can be found in Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic countries, and the North Caucasus. It grows in beech, hornbeam, oak forests, occasionally in pine forests and in thickets of shrubs, always prefers areas with rich, not waterlogged soils. Periwinkle is also planted in home gardens because of its beauty.

Periwinkle grass contains almost 20 indole alkaloids, similar in structure to reserpine – vincamine, isovincamine, vincaminorin, etc., as well as flavonoids, bitter substances, carotene, ascorbic, formic and succinic acids, mineral salts.

Grass is harvested in late spring and early summer during flowering and after it (May-June) with knives or a sickle at a height of 3-5 cm from the soil surface. Harvesting in one place can be carried out no more than 1 time in 3 years. Raw materials are dried in attics, under sheds, in well-ventilated areas, spreading in a thin layer. It can be dried in dryers at a temperature of 48-50 ° C. The collected raw materials are stored in well-ventilated dry rooms.

It is impossible not to note the medicinal properties of Periwinkle. It is used not only in folk medicine, but also medicines are prepared from it.

Has a hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and astringent effect. Used for hypertension in the form of drugs “Venkaton”, “Devinkan”, “Vinkapan”, etc.

In folk medicine, used for hypertension, diarrhea, dysentery, tuberculosis, sexual weakness, migraine, as a hemostatic agent. Outwardly – for burns, purulent wounds, weeping eczema, skin itching and other skin diseases, as well as for toothache, mouth ulcers. The great possibilities of Periwinkle are still waiting for their explorer

Periwinkle should be used as a medicinal plant at home with great care. Since the alkaloids that make up its composition are poisonous!

Treatment of diseases

Periwinkle is used in the treatment of the following diseases:

• Toothache
• Odor from the mouth
• Itching
• Diarrhea
• Dysentery 9000 8
• Ulcers
• Tuberculosis
• Gingivitis
• Eczema
• Hypertension
• Headache pain 9No dicardia
• Increased blood clotting
• Constipation
• and others

Prescriptions

diseases

Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped herbs with 1 glass of water, simmer at a low boil for 20 minutes, insist until cool, strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Tincture. For sexual weakness

Pour 20 grams of chopped herb into 250 ml. 40% alcohol, heat to a boil, leave to cool. Take 8 drops 2 times a day. The course is 4 days, a break of 2 days and the course is repeated.

Tincture. To enhance sexual function

Pour 20 grams of chopped grass with 1 glass of vodka, simmer at a low boil for 10 minutes, leave for 2 hours, strain. Take 10 drops 2 times a day. Course – 4 days, break 2 weeks. Complete 3 courses in total.

In case of acute leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphocytic leukemia, malignant neoplasms

Pour 1 teaspoon of chopped herb with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

For hypertension

Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped herb into 200 ml. boiling water, cook in a water bath for 15 minutes, insist until cool, strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

Tincture

Pour 100 grams of chopped herb into 500 ml. 40% alcohol, insist 2 weeks in a dark place, shaking occasionally, strain. Take 8-10 drops per tablespoon of warm boiled water in the morning and evening, 1 hour before meals. The course is 4 days, then a break of 2 days and the course is repeated.

For pulmonary tuberculosis, dermatosis, ringworm, bronchitis, enteritis, colitis, migraine, impotence, diarrhea

Pour 10 grams of crushed herb into 200 ml. boiled water, cook on low heat for 10 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain, bring the volume of boiled water to the original. Take 1/4 cup 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

Tincture

For hypertension, migraine, toothache, sore throat, tuberculosis, diarrhea, leucorrhea, uterine and intestinal bleeding, sexual weakness

Pour 20 grams of chopped herb into 250 ml. vodka, boil over low heat for 5 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain. Take 8 drops morning and evening.