What is periwinkle?
The common periwinkle is perennial evergreen herb that spreads with trailing branches.
The elliptical leaves are and shiny dark green in colour. The periwinkle bluish-purple flower is very attractive and consists of 5 fused petals. The stems form roots at the nodes as they creep along the ground.
Parts used
The whole aboveground parts or only the leaves of periwinkle are used.
Phytochemicals
These are typical phytochemicals found in periwinkle: monoterpenes, vincamine, vincine.
Benefits of periwinkle
Periwinkle is not often used as herbal medicine because of its side effects. Periwinkle is often used by the pharmaceutical industry to extract the phytochemical vincamine. Vincamine can be used to treat cerebrovascular disorders such as dizziness and memory loss.
Studies have shown that vincamine acts by reducing the blood pressure and increasing the blood flow to the brain. Other factsPeriwinkle is a common garden plant and is often planted in shady places where lawn does not grow.
Other names
Pervinca, lesser periwinkle, common periwinkle
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