Catharanthus roseus

Scientific name: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don

Family: Apocynaceae

Synonym: Vinca rosea L.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Nayan tara.

Tribal name: Chok phul (Chakma), Piyong (Chak), Kum-tluang-par (Lushai), Fra-pang-pao (Murang), Hri-hri-chene-bawn (Rakhaing).

English name: Madagascar periwinkle, Rose periwinkle.

Description of the plant: A perennial, branched herb. Leaves opposite, oblong, rounded at tip, pointed at base. Flowers are white, pink, or red coloured; comprising five petals spreading from a long and tubular throat. Fruit a cylindric follicle, 2-3 cm long.

Plant parts used: Leaf, flower, and root.

Ethnomedicinal uses: Decoction is made with the leaves of the plant is taken three times a day (50 ml amount each time) to control the diabetes.

A powder is made with the roots of the plant is taken twice a day (2 gm amount each time) for seven days to treat dysentery.

Decoction prepared from the flowers of the plant is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time) until the asthma is cured.

A fresh juice is extracted from the leaves of the plant is taken thrice a day (5 ml amount each time) for seven days to treat menorrhagia.

Infusion is made with the leaves of the plant is given for indigestion and dyspepsia.

Leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of hypertension, insomnia, dengue fever, skin disease, cancer, and dysmenorrhoea.

Distribution: It is grown in many gardens as an ornamental plant and also cultivated for medicinal uses.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….