Catharanthus ovalis
Catharanthus ovalis, commonly known as the Madagascar Periwinkle, is a versatile medicinal shrub valued for its potent alkaloids. Historically utilized in traditional healing, it contains bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological potential. Research focuses on its therapeutic applications in treating various ailments, highlighting its importance in modern ethnobotanical studies.
- Scientific name: Catharanthus ovalis
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Catharanthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Apocynaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Catharanthus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Catharanthus ovalis, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently called the Madagascar periwinkle, while in Spanish, it is known as vinca de Madagascar. In French, the plant is commonly called pervenche de Madagascar, and in Portuguese, it is referred to as vinca de Madagascar.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is characterized by a very specific and localized geographical range. Its natural habitat is found exclusively within the Western Indian Ocean region. More specifically, the species is endemic to the island of Madagascar. Because of this limited occurrence, it is not found growing wild in other parts of the world. This unique distribution makes the plant a significant part of the island's local biodiversity.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Catharanthus ovalis, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through its leaves. These leaves serve as the key component in various traditional applications, containing specific alkaloids and bioactive compounds that are harvested for therapeutic use.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Catharanthus ovalis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include carvacrol, methyl stearate.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| carvacrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methyl stearate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Catharanthus ovalis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Thrombolytic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Thrombolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Catharanthus ovalis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, hemolysis.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemolysis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |