Editorial photo #13960656 Human Interest
Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus Roseus) - Medicinal Plant - Monsoon Raindrops
Monsoon raindrops rest upon the flowers of the Madagascar Periwinkle plant in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on July 12, 2026. The plant, also known as Sadabahar, is characterized by its five pink petals surrounding a distinct, darker pink or red center. It is popular as an ornamental plant due to its ability to bloom all season and is widely used in traditional herbal medicine, although it is toxic if ingested. It holds global significance for its production of potent anticancer alkaloids, such as vinblastine and vincristine, which are utilized in chemotherapy. In Ayurveda, the roots and shoots of the plant are employed for various ailments, despite their toxicity. Additionally, in traditional Chinese medicine, extracts from this plant are used to treat conditions such as diabetes, malaria, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukemia. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)
