Rosy Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus): Medicinal Plant for Cancer Drugs

Plant Profile

• Scientific name: Catharanthus roseus
• Native to: Madagascar
• Also grows in: Tropical regions worldwide

Medical Significance

Produces alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, essential chemotherapy agents for leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers. Transformed childhood leukemia survival rates.

Conservation note: Wild populations are threatened; sustainable cultivation is critical for continued drug supply.