Madagascar periwinkle
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Related to Madagascar periwinkle: Madagascan periwinkle
Madagascar periwinkle
n.
A low-growing perennial plant (Catharanthus roseus) native to Madagascar, having pink or white flowers and cultivated as a groundcover and as a source of alkaloids used to treat diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. Also called rosy periwinkle.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Madagascar periwinkle
Herbal medicineA subtropical plant that contains two anticancer alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine; it has been used as a herb to treat stings and bleeding, and as a gargle for sore throat and respiratory complaints.
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.