Question 1

What is Catharanthus roseus used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems across Sri Lanka and South Asia, Catharanthus roseus has been used to address conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and skin ailments. Different parts of the plant — leaves, roots, and flowers — appear in decoctions and topical preparations. Use should always be supervised by a qualified practitioner due to the plant's potent alkaloid content.

Question 2

Is Catharanthus roseus the same as the rosy periwinkle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Catharanthus roseus is the accepted scientific name for the plant widely known as the rosy periwinkle or Madagascar periwinkle. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is distinct from the European periwinkle (Vinca minor), though both belong to the same broader plant family.

Question 3

What drugs come from Catharanthus roseus?

Accepted Answer

The plant is the source of vincristine and vinblastine, two alkaloids that are used as chemotherapy agents in modern oncology. Vincristine is used in the treatment of leukaemia, while vinblastine is used for Hodgkin's lymphoma and certain other cancers. Their discovery is one of the most significant examples of a pharmaceutical derived from a traditional medicinal plant.

Question 4

Does Catharanthus roseus grow naturally in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is not native to Sri Lanka — it originates from Madagascar — but it has naturalised widely across the island's tropical lowlands. It is commonly found in gardens, roadsides, and uncultivated land throughout the wet and intermediate zones, and is officially catalogued as part of Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plant inventory.

Question 5

Is it safe to make home remedies from Catharanthus roseus?

Accepted Answer

Preparing internal remedies at home from Catharanthus roseus is not recommended without professional guidance. The plant's alkaloids are pharmacologically active and potentially toxic in incorrect doses. Anyone wishing to use the plant therapeutically should consult a registered Ayurvedic physician.

Question 6

Where can I learn about Ayurvedic plants in Sri Lanka as a visitor?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya near Kandy features a well-labelled medicinal plant section and is accessible to tourists. Many Ayurvedic wellness retreats also maintain herb gardens with guided interpretation. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the wet zone offers guided walks through forests rich in medicinal flora.

Question 7

What family does Catharanthus roseus belong to?

Accepted Answer

Catharanthus roseus belongs to the family Apocynaceae, sometimes called the dogbane family. This large family of flowering plants includes many species of pharmacological and ornamental interest distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.