Madagascar Periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

Evidence: AFamily: Apocynaceae

Pregnancy:AvoidNursing:AvoidChildren:Avoid

Toxic herb used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Source of vincristine and vinblastine.

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Safety Quick Reference

Pregnancyunsafe

Breastfeedingunsafe

Pediatricnot recommended

Contraindications: Pregnancy, lactation, bone marrow suppression

Interactions: Interacts with CYP3A4 substrates, other chemotherapy agents

Drug & Medication Interactions

If you take any medications, review these interactions carefully.

Known Interactions

Interacts with CYP3A4 substrates, other chemotherapy agents

Contraindications

Pregnancy, lactation, bone marrow suppression

Surgery Warning

Must inform surgeon; hematological monitoring required

Check Your Medications Against This Herb

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bone marrow suppression, peripheral neuropathy

How to Prepare Madagascar Periwinkle

Standardized ExtractEasy (purchasing) · N/A — purchase pre-made

Equipment

Purchase from reputable supplement company

Instructions

1Standardized extracts are professionally manufactured to contain a guaranteed amount of active compounds.
2Follow the dosing instructions on the product label.
3Take with food unless otherwise directed.
4Choose extracts from companies that provide third-party testing (USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab verified).
5Common standardizations: Milk Thistle (80% silymarin), Ginkgo (24% flavone glycosides), Turmeric (95% curcuminoids).

Tips

• Standardized extracts provide consistent dosing — important for herbs where potency varies.
• They are stronger than whole-herb preparations and may have different effects.
• Whole-herb preparations may contain beneficial synergistic compounds lost in extraction.

Standardized extracts are concentrated — do not exceed recommended doses. They may interact differently with medications than whole-herb preparations. Consult a healthcare provider if taking medications.

Follow manufacturer storage instructions. Typically store cool, dry, and away from light.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information on Healix Natural Solutions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare provider.

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