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Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) Posy (THREATS (Deforestation…
Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) 
MEDICINAL USES
WESTERN MEDICINE
The chemicals in the Madagascar periwinkle decrease white blood cell count. This is vital in the treatment for cancer because some types of cancer, like leukemia, thrive off of the rapid increase in the number of white blood cells. The World Health Organization’s list of medicine needs for a basic healthcare system recognizes the importance of the chemical compounds of vindaline and vincristine
It contains vinca alkaloids, particularly vincristine and vinblastine, both of which are used in chemotherapy treatments as anti-cancer agents
Vincamine and vindoline in the plant have demonstrated anti-ulcer properties. The plant also contains anti-diarrheal and anti-diabetic properties.
Vincristine promotes the growth and maturation of leukocytes, which are a part of the body’s immune system that help fight off various diseases and infections.
Vinblastine helps inhibit cell division, thereby restraining the proliferation of cancerous cells.
Using the natural template of the rosy periwinkle, researchers have developed a potential treatment for small cell lung cancer (Vinorelbine), and a treatment for advanced bladder cancer (Vinflunine)
The elements providing medicinal properties (primarily vincristine and vinblastine) are mainly found in the stem and leaves of the plant.
TRADITIONAL REMEDIES
In traditional Chinese medicine, this plant is used to treat malaria and diabetes
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In traditional Filipino medicine, the leaves of the periwinkle can be used for treating diabetes and stomach cramps, and the roots help cure intestinal problems
Malaysia's traditional healthcare system has been known to use the rosy periwinkle to treat hypertension, diabetes, cancer and insomnia
THREATS
Deforestation is a major issue in Madagascar; in fact, it is the primary reason as to why the Madagascar periwinkle is classified as endangered.
Thus far, Madagascar has lost about 80% of its original forests to deforestation, and only 12% of the country is covered by the primary forest now.
Deforestation in Madagascar is a result of the exploitation of natural resources, need for commercial agricultural land, production of firewood and charcoal, and illegal logging.
Some other factors that contribute to the diminishing population of the Madagascar periwinkle are slash-and-burn agriculture, over-grazing, and ranching.
Although the Rainforests of Atsinanana are part of a World Heritage site, there is not enough action being taken in order to prohibit illegal logging here. In fact, illegal logging has only increased since 2009.
Due to Madagascar’s weak government and lack of funds, the National Strategy for Sustainable Management of Biodiversity (NSSMB) was unable to be implemented properly and to its full capacity.
80,000 acres of tropical rainforests are cleared daily, and a lot of additional land is degraded because of humans. Whether government approved or not, destruction of rainforests results in an extreme loss of biodiversity. This is especially true for highly specialized areas which contain species unique to the region
SOLUTIONS
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Dedication of certain areas of Madagascar (i.e. the Rainforests of Atsinanana) for in-situ conservation of the Madagascar periwinkle
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FUNDAMENTAL INFO
It is scientifically known as Catharanthus roseus, and comes from the plant family, Apocynaceae
This plant is native and endemic to Madagascar, Africa
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Unsustainable ecological practices within the terrain of the periwinkle causes the plant to be endangered in its natural habitat
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The cancer-treating properties of the Madagascar periwinkle were found by accident- the plant was initially thought to treat diabetes, but through these studies it was learned that it instead reduced WBC count. This made it an effective treatment for cancers of the blood
In 1958 vinblastine was isolated and used to treat Hodgkin Lymphoma, brain cancer, blood cancer, etc. Soon after in 1961, vincristine was found and isolated
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NATURE AND MEDICINE
70% of all drugs are inspired by nature. Approximately the same amount of US drugs come from natural sources as well
According to the UN, approximately 1 million plants and animals are at risk of extinction
ECOLOGY
The Madagascar periwinkle is prevalent in areas that are tropical and/or subtropical, however, it has adapted to tolerate extremely high summer temperatures as well as drought and heavy rainfall.
This plant has also adapted to a variety of soils, therefore it is able to thrive in both soils of high moisture and slightly acidic soils
Although the plant is potent for consumption by animals and insects, it is often visited by a wide variety of insects for pollination, including butterflies, moths, bees and even beetles,
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The Madagascar periwinkle is invasive in parts of East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania
PLANT ANATOMY
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The Madagascar periwinkle has 5 pedaled flowers that are usually range from rosy pink to white in colour
Stems of the plant are cylindrical, longitudinally ridged or narrowly winged, green or dark red
Leaves are glossy and egg-shaped with a narrower base. They are green with paler veins. They usually have hairs but sometime are hairless