10 Possible Side Effects Of Vinca Rosea (Periwinkle)

Vinca rosea has some side effects when used improperly, such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

These side effects are often caused by the herb's high alkaloid content, particularly vincristine and vinblastine.

If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen, leading to decreased appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, ultimately affecting daily activities and relationships.

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

1. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea causes nausea due to its ability to stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, leading to a rapid and intense contraction of the muscles in the digestive tract.

This can result in feelings of queasiness, dizziness, and stomach discomfort, making it difficult for individuals to keep food or liquids down.

The alkaloids present in Vinca rosea are thought to be responsible for this gastrointestinal reaction, causing an imbalance in the body's natural digestion processes.

2. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea increases dizziness.

This side effect is attributed to the high concentration of vinblastine and vincristine alkaloids found in the plant. These alkaloids can cause a decrease in blood pressure, leading to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain, resulting in lightheadedness and dizziness.

Additionally, the anticholinergic properties of Vinca rosea can also contribute to this side effect by affecting the nervous system's ability to regulate balance and equilibrium.

3. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea slows heartbeat by affecting the heart's electrical activity.

The alkaloids present in Vinca rosea, particularly vincamine and ajmalicine, can bind to cardiac tissue receptors, leading to a decrease in the heart's automaticity and conduction velocity.

This results in a slowed heart rate, which may be more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those taking other medications that affect the heart's rhythm.

4. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea lowers blood pressure due to its ability to constrict blood vessels and reduce cardiac output.

This is achieved through the alkaloids present in the plant, particularly vincamine, which acts on the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, causing them to contract and decrease blood flow.

As a result, blood pressure is reduced, leading to a range of potential side effects that may occur when using Vinca rosea.

5. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea induces vomiting in some individuals due to its alkaloid content, particularly vinblastine and vincristine.

These compounds can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to nausea and subsequent vomiting.

As Vinca rosea is often used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including treatment of cancer and other health conditions, it's essential to be aware of this potential side effect when using the plant.

6. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea stimulates diarrhea due to its active alkaloids, specifically vinblastine and vincristine.

These compounds bind to specific receptors in the intestinal tract, altering the normal movement of digested food and leading to an increased frequency of bowel movements.

This side effect can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual's sensitivity to these alkaloids and the dosage of Vinca rosea being used.

7. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea affects mental clarity by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

The alkaloids present in the plant, particularly vinblastine and vincristine, can influence the activity of dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, leading to changes in cognitive function.

This may cause individuals to experience altered states of consciousness, disorientation, or difficulty concentrating, which can impact their mental clarity and overall daily functioning.

8. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea triggers seizures in some individuals due to its ability to affect the neurotransmitters in the brain.

The plant contains a number of alkaloids, including vinblastine and vincristine, which are known to interact with the nervous system and alter its normal functioning. This can lead to changes in brain activity that may result in seizure activity.

Additionally, Vinca rosea has been shown to affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which can also contribute to its potential for triggering seizures.

9. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea reduces appetite due to its ability to stimulate serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to a decrease in hunger and food cravings.

Additionally, Vinca rosea may bind to dopamine receptors, altering the body's reward system and potentially causing a lack of interest in food.

These effects can result in reduced appetite and potentially lead to weight loss or changes in eating habits.

10. Causes allergic reactions

Vinca rosea produces skin rashes due to its alkaloid compounds, particularly vinblastine and vincristine.

These alkaloids can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, leading to skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. The exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood, but it's believed that the body's immune system reacts to these compounds as foreign substances, triggering an inflammatory response.

This reaction can range from mild to severe, depending on individual sensitivity and dosage.