PERIWINKLE Overview Information
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, periwinkle is used for “brain health” (increasing blood circulation in the brain, supporting brain metabolism, increasing mental productivity, preventing memory and concentration problems and feebleness, improving memory and thinking ability, and preventing early aging of brain cells).
Periwinkle is also used for treating diarrhea, vaginal discharge, throat ailments, tonsillitis, chest pain, high blood pressure, sore throat, intestinal pain and swelling (inflammation), toothache, and water retention (edema). It is also used for promoting wound healing, improving the way the immune system defends the body, and for “blood-purification.”
A chemical in periwinkle called vincamine can be converted in the laboratory to the compound vinpocetine, which is marketed as a dietary supplement.
How does it work?
Periwinkle can lower blood pressure. It can also help reduce swelling (inflammation) and have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues.
PERIWINKLE Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Preventing brain disorders.
- Tonsillitis.
- Sore throat.
- Intestinal swelling (inflammation).
- Toothache.
- Chest pain.
- Wounds.
- High blood pressure.
- Other conditions.
PERIWINKLE Side Effects & Safety
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.
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.
PERIWINKLE Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with PERIWINKLE
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.
PERIWINKLE Dosing
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.
