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Vinca major, greater periwinkle
Summary
A useful source of drugs for use in chemotherapy, which is, of course, targeted poisoning of cancer cells.
Family
Apocynaceae
Meaning of the Name
Vinca
From the Latin ‘vincire’, ‘to bind about or fetter’ based on its
trailing habit.
major
Larger than the main species of the genus.
Common Names and Synonyms
greater periwinkle, violette des sorciers, sorcerer's violet.
Vinca major, greater periwinkle
How Poisonous, How Harmful?
Vinca contains a group of alkaloids including vinchristine and vinblastine both of which are used in chemotherapy.
It has been used to treat high blood pressure and control excessive bleeding. Excess results in hypotension, low blood pressure, which can cause collapse.
Vinca major is a surprisingly close relative of the oleander but does not have the same record of causing harm.
Incidents
No reported incidents but the very unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy are well known.
It is not included in the Horticultural Trades Association list of potentially harmful plants and there is only one reference to it in the 'International Poisonous Plants Checklist' and that to a 1946 article about poisonous plants in general.
Folklore and Facts
The flower of the plant is the symbol of the Lymphoma Association which holds an annual fundraising Periwinkle Ball.
The 16th century book entitled ‘the boke of secretes of Albertus Magnus of the vertues of Herbes, Stones and certaine beastes’, talks of the power of periwinkle to produce love between a man and his wife. It must be powdered and mixed with leeks and earthworms and then added to the couple’s meals.
The Apuleius Platonicus also imbues periwinkle with some remarkable powers. It is the first plant to choose to combat sickness brought on by the Devil, protect against snakes and other wild beasts as well as being an antidote to many poisons. If you carry it with you, you will be prosperous and well received by strangers.
