Diabetes
Periwinkle
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Periwinkle Essential Oil
Background:
- The leaf juice or water decoction of Catharathus roseus L. (Apocyanaceae) is used as a folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes all over the world.
- In the present investigation, the leaf juice of C. roseus has been evaluated for its hypoglycemic activity in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits.
Conclusions:
- The present study clearly indicates a significant antidiabetic activity with the leaf juice of Catharanthus roseus and supports the traditional usage of the fresh leaves by Ayurvedic physicians for the control of diabetics.
The leaves yield a volatile oil content of:
- Aldehyde
- Sesquiterpenes
- Furfural
- Sulphur-containing compounds and an alcohol
- Lochnerol
Photo credit: Dolf Cheng