Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Catharanthus roseus

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle) is a species of Catharanthus native and endemic to Madagascar. Synonyms include Vinca rosea (the basionym), Ammocallis rosea, and Lochnera rosea; other English names occasionally used include Cape Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle, Rosy Periwinkle,and "Old-maid".In an in vitro analysis, Catharanthus was the most potent antioxidant herb analyzed among many others, including Thymus, Salvia and Rosmarinus.Catharanthus roseus L (C. roseus) has been used to treat a wide assortment of diseases including diabetes.The leaves of Catharanthus roseus constitute the only source of the well known indolomonoterpenic alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine.Increased wound contraction and tensile strength, augmented hydroxyproline content along with antimicrobial activity support the use of C. roseus in the topical management of wound healing.