Periwinkle
Scientific names: Vinca minor
Family: Apocynaceae
Alternate names: Common Periwinkle, Earlyflowering, Evergreen, Herbe à la Capucine, Herbe de Fidélité, Lesser Periwinkle, Myrtle, Petite Pervenche, Pervenche Mineure, Small Periwinkle, Vincae Minoris Herba, Vincapervinca, Violette des Morts, Violette de Serpent, Violette de Sorcier, Wintergreen
Actions: Anticancer activity, Antiplatelet, Cellular activity, Neurologic, Vasodilating activity
Background
Periwinkle is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Don't confuse periwinkle with Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus).
Despite serious safety concerns, people use periwinkle for memory and thinking, diarrhea, vaginal discharge, sore throat, and toothache, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use periwinkle for memory and thinking, diarrhea, vaginal discharge, sore throat, and toothache, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Periwinkle is UNSAFE. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other stomach and intestinal symptoms. It can also cause nerve, kidney, and liver damage. Large amounts can cause very low blood pressure.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Periwinkle is UNSAFE. Don't use it.
Constipation: Periwinkle has a drying effect on tissues. This means it can make constipation worse. Don't use it.
Low blood pressure: Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure, using periwinkle can make it drop too low. Don't use it.
Surgery: Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using periwinkle at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Periwinkle is UNSAFE for anyone to use, but people with certain conditions are especially at risk for harmful side effects.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Periwinkle is UNSAFE. Don't use it.
Constipation: Periwinkle has a drying effect on tissues. This means it can make constipation worse. Don't use it.
Low blood pressure: Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure, using periwinkle can make it drop too low. Don't use it.
Surgery: Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using periwinkle at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Tonsillitis.
- Sore throat.
- Intestinal swelling (inflammation).
- Toothache.
- Chest pain.
- Wounds.
- High blood pressure.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of periwinkle depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for periwinkle. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Periwinkle seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking periwinkle along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Periwinkle seems to decrease blood pressure. Using it with other herbs and supplements that have this same effect might make blood pressure go too low. Some of these herbs and supplements include andrographis, casein peptides, cat's claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. It can also help reduce swelling (inflammation) and have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 18/09/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 24/12/2012 22:17:47. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
