10 Possible Side Effects Of Catharanthus Roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, has some side effects when used improperly, such as gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and interactions with medications.

Causes of these side effects include taking excessive doses or combining the herb with other medications, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.

For example, a person with a pre-existing kidney condition may experience worsened symptoms, leading to hospitalization or a decline in overall quality of life.

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Catharanthus roseus if used imporperly.

1. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, increases heart rate due to its ability to stimulate the production of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

This increased activity can lead to an enhanced sympathetic response, resulting in a faster heart rate.

Additionally, Catharanthus roseus may also increase the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, further contributing to this cardiovascular effect.

2. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, causes stomach upset in some individuals.

The plant's alkaloids, particularly vinblastine and vincristine, can irritate the stomach lining and lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This reaction is thought to occur due to the plant's ability to alter gut motility and increase the production of digestive enzymes.

As a result, users may experience discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, which can range from mild to severe depending on the individual's sensitivity to the plant's compounds.

3. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, induces allergic reactions due to its ability to stimulate an immune response in some individuals.

The plant contains compounds such as alkaloids and glycosides, which can trigger the release of histamine from mast cells, leading to symptoms like hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Additionally, the plant's flavonoids and phenolic acids may also contribute to allergic reactions by interacting with immune cells and causing an inflammatory response.

4. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, produces respiratory issues due to its alkaloids content, specifically vinblastine and vincristine, which can cause constriction of the airways and increased mucus production.

The plant's extracts may trigger allergic reactions, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath in some individuals.

These complications occur when the body reacts negatively to the chemicals present in Catharanthus roseus, resulting in respiratory issues.

5. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, triggers seizures in some individuals due to its ability to block certain types of voltage-gated calcium channels in the brain.

This can disrupt normal electrical activity and lead to seizure activity.

Additionally, the plant's alkaloids, which are responsible for its medicinal properties, can also contribute to the triggering of seizures in susceptible individuals.

6. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, lowers blood pressure by stimulating the body's natural production of certain enzymes that help to increase the breakdown and removal of excess calcium from the bloodstream.

This can cause a decrease in blood pressure due to the reduced amount of calcium available for contraction and constriction of blood vessels.

Additionally, Catharanthus roseus may also lower blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme renin, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.

7. Triggers anaphylaxis

8. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, inhibits platelet formation.

This is due to its ability to suppress the production of megakaryocytes, cells responsible for producing platelets in the bone marrow. As a result, the reduced platelet count can lead to symptoms such as easy bruising and bleeding.

The mechanism by which Catharanthus roseus exerts this effect is through the inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell division in megakaryocytic progenitors, ultimately disrupting platelet production.

9. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, reduces white blood cell count due to its toxic alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine.

These compounds disrupt the production of new white blood cells in bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the body's ability to fight infections.

Additionally, the vinca alkaloids can also damage existing white blood cells, further contributing to the suppression of the immune system.

10. Triggers anaphylaxis

Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, affects kidney function by inhibiting the activity of enzymes responsible for removing waste products from the body.

The alkaloids present in the plant, particularly vinblastine and vincristine, can cause a reduction in glomerular filtration rate, leading to increased levels of creatinine and urea in the blood.

This may result in signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction, including decreased urine output, swelling, and fatigue.