Catharanthus roseus - Sada Bahar

Sada Bahar

Catharanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. Like genus Vinca, they are known commonly as periwinkles. There are eight known species. Seven are endemic to Madagascar, though one, C. roseus, is widely naturalized around the world.The eighth species, C. pusillus, is native to India and Sri Lanka. The name Catharanthus comes from the Greek for "pure flower".

Medical uses

1. The leaves and stems are a source of alkaloids that have anti tumor and anti cancer properties.
2. The leaves are used to control diabetes and high blood pressure.
3. The alkaloids also offer sedative and tranquilizing properties.
4. It relieves muscle pain and depression.
5. Because of its property of detoxification and counteracting poison it is used to relieve wasp stings.
6. Sadabahar controls nosebleeds, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers and sore throats.
7. It is useful in treating gastritis, cystitis, enteritis, diarrhea, diabetes, etc when taken internally.
8. The vinca rosea plant ensures brain health. Its active ingredients improve blood supply to the brain, increase the level of oxygen that the brain can utilize. It also raises serotonin levels and prevents abnormal coagulation of blood.
9. The alkaloid vincamine keeps the blood thin and has memory enhancing properties. It is therefore useful in preventing dementia, especially vascular dementia.