Introducation
Antitumour is effective in treating malignant or cancerous disease. Alkylating agents, antimetabolite, natural products ,and some hormones are major classes of anticancer drugs.
Vinka
Vinka is a commonly grown in India. It has its origin in Madagascar. Two varieties of Vinka, namely pink and the white coloured flower varieties are grown for their medicinal value.
Synonyms
- Catharanthus
- Periwinkle
- Sadabahar
Biological Source
Vinka is the dried whole plant of Catharanthus roseus or Vinka rosea.
Family
Apocynaceae.
Occurrence and Distribution
Vinca is a popular medicinal and ornamental plant, commonly known as “evergreen” or “periwinkle”. Its scientific name is Catharanthus roseus. This plant is originally from Madagascar, but now it is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
In India, Vinca is grown especially in states with hot and humid climates like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala. This plant is planted to enhance the beauty of gardens, parks and homes. Its specialty is that it remains green throughout the year and gives colorful flowers like pink, white, purple.
Vinca also has medicinal importance. The alkaloids found in it are useful in the treatment of serious diseases like cancer. It is popular all over the world due to its prevalence and tolerance.
Organoleptic Evaluation of Vinca
Vinca, also known as “evergreen”, is an organoleptic evaluation by observing its physical properties. The leaves, stem, flowers and roots of this plant are used for medicinal and ornamental purposes.
- Color:
Vinca leaves are shiny dark green in color. Its flowers are pink, white, purple and light purple in color. - Odor:
Vinca flowers have a mild sweet aroma, while the leaves and stem have a mild green odor. - Taste:
Its leaves are slightly bitter and pungent in taste. - Texture:
The leaves of Vinca are smooth and shiny, while the stem is slightly hard and fibrous.
It is mainly used for medicinal properties, such as anti-cancer, diabetes control and treatment of high blood pressure.
Chemical Constituents of Vinca
Vinca, also known as Catharanthus roseus, is an important plant with medicinal value. It contains many types of active chemical components, which make it useful from a medicinal point of view.
- Alkaloids:
More than 130 alkaloids are found in Vinca, the main ones being Vincristine and Vinblastine. Both these alkaloids are known for their anti-cancer properties and are used in the treatment of cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. - Flavonoids:
They have antioxidant properties, which strengthen the body’s immune system. - Tannins:
These are helpful in wound healing and show anti-inflammatory effects.
- Saponins:
These are immunomodulatory and help in blood pressure control.
The chemical components of Vinca make it important in the treatment of cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Therapeutic Efficacy
- It also raise the serotonin levels and prevents abnormal blood coagulation.
- It control nosebleeds ,bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and sore throats.
- Its Alkaloids are sedative and tranquiliser.
- Its leaves are used for controlling diabetes and high blood pressure.
- It relieves muscle pain depression.
- On internal administration it is helpful in gastritis, cystitis enteritis, diarrhoea , etc.