Scientific Name: Vinca Minor

Other Names: Common Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle, Lesser Periwinkle, Myrtle, Periwinkle

Who is this for?

Vinca minor has been designated as unsafe to use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its use is not recommended because it contains chemicals called alkaloids that can cause serious liver and kidney damage.

More than 10 years ago, a few small studies were done to test the usefulness of Vinca minor for treating stroke and dementia patients. Although some of the patients who took Vinca minor after having a stroke did show some improvement in functioning, the overall results of all the studies were not conclusive. No further research has been published.

When should I be careful taking it?

Vinca minor has been found unsafe to use by the FDA. Its use is not recommended.

Because Vinca minor may have harmful effects on a developing fetus or an infant, it should be avoided by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Individuals with low blood pressure or those individuals taking medications to lower blood pressure should not take Vinca minor due to the possibility that blood pressure may become too low.

Because Vinca minor has a drying effect on the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause severe constipation. Individuals who are constipated or who are prone to being constipated should not use Vinca minor.

Precautions

The use of Vinca minor is not recommended. The FDA has placed it on a list of herbs that are not safe to use.

What side effects should I watch for?

Some of the chemicals in Vinca minor cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and nerves. Vinca minor can also cause general damage to cells — possibly resulting in numbness in the fingers and toes or muscle weakness.

In animal studies, the use of Vinca minor has reduced amounts of certain blood components. As a result, immune function may be diminished or blood pressure may become dangerously low.

Less Severe Side Effects

Taking Vinca minor can cause constipation, nausea, reddening of the face, upset stomach, and vomiting.

What interactions should I watch for?

When a cancer drug derived from a plant related to Vinca minor is used in combination with mitomycin (another cancer medication), some individuals may develop severe problems with breathing. The risk of suffering heart damage is also increased when these drugs are used together. If you are taking any cancer medication, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin to use any herbal product.

Due to its potential to lower blood pressure, Vinca minor is believed to increase the effects of high blood pressure medications. Blood pressure lowering drugs include:

• ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and Monopril
• Beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol
• Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, Norvasc, and verapamil
• Diuretics such as Dyazide, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide

Signs that blood pressure may be too low include:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fainting

No other interactions have been reported between Vinca minor and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, or foods. However, because few reliable studies of Vinca minor have been conducted in humans, its possible interactions are not understood completely.

Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals.

Should I take it?

Vinca minor is believed to have originated in southern Europe. It now grows in most mild climates, where it is used commonly as an ornamental ground cover. Its small, dark, shiny leaves stay green all year and its characteristic flowers —usually light blue-purple — bloom most of the spring and summer.

Some of the chemicals found in plant species related to Vinca minor have been developed into prescription drugs to treat cancer. Vinca minor contains similar chemicals, but the amounts of those and other chemicals in fresh or dried Vinca minor plants vary depending on how the plants are grown, harvested, processed, and stored. The FDA does not recognize Vinca minor as safe. Therefore, its use is not recommended.

Dosage and Administration

Vinca minor has been placed on a list of herbs considered unsafe to use by the FDA. Its use is not recommended.

Summary

Some of the alkaloids found in Vinca minor are used in certain anticancer drugs because they disrupt the growth and division of rapidly growing cells. Unfortunately, these alkaloids also damage normal cells.

The FDA considers Vinca minor unsafe to use, so its use is not recommended for any condition.

Risks

Vinca minor may cause damage to the kidneys, liver, or nerves. In addition, it may have harmful effects on a fetus if it is taken by a pregnant woman. Infants may be affected if a woman takes vinca minor while breast-feeding. The use of Vinca minor is not recommended.

Side Effects

Vinca minor can cause low blood pressure, constipation, gastrointestinal upset, and flushing of the face.

Interactions

A cancer drug derived from Vinca minor caused breathing and heart problems when it was taken with another cancer drug called mitomycin. Whether a similar interaction occurs with Vinca minor is not known. If you take cancer drugs, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or dietary supplements.

Vinca minor could increase the effects of drugs that lower blood pressure, resulting in confusion, dizziness, or fainting if the blood pressure becomes too low.

References

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