Botanical Name: The botanical name of the medicinal plant from which Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract is derived is **Catharanthus roseus**. It is commonly known as periwinkle or vinca.

Plant Part: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract is obtained from various parts of the plant, including the **leaves and stems**. These plant parts contain valuable alkaloids and other bioactive compounds.

Extraction Method: The extraction of Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract is typically achieved through a combination of **maceration and solvent extraction**. In this process, the leaves and stems are crushed or finely chopped and soaked in a suitable solvent (often ethanol or a mixture of water and ethanol). The solvent extracts the bioactive compounds, and the resulting solution is then evaporated to obtain a concentrated extract.

Origin: Catharanthus roseus, or periwinkle, is native to the island of Madagascar but is now cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is commonly grown in India, the Mediterranean, and parts of North America for its medicinal properties.

Color: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract typically has a **greenish to brownish color**. The color may vary depending on factors such as the extraction method and the specific compounds present in the extract.

Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract has a somewhat **earthy and vegetal aroma** with a hint of bitterness. Its consistency can vary depending on the extraction process but is usually a liquid.

Common Uses in the Pharmaceutical Industry:

Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract contains a group of alkaloids, including vincristine and vinblastine, which are known for their **anti-cancer properties**. These alkaloids interfere with cell division, making them valuable in pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of various forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors.

   Specifically:

Anti-Cancer Properties: The alkaloids found in Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract, particularly vincristine and vinblastine, have been used as essential components in the treatment of cancer. They inhibit the growth and replication of cancer cells, making them an integral part of chemotherapy regimens.

Treatment of Leukemia: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract, specifically vincristine, is commonly used in the treatment of various forms of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Lymphoma Treatment: It is also utilized in the treatment of lymphomas, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Solid Tumor Treatment: In addition to blood-related cancers, Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract has shown effectiveness in the treatment of solid tumors, including breast cancer and lung cancer.

   It’s important to note that the use of Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract in the pharmaceutical industry is highly specialized and typically administered under the guidance of oncologists and healthcare professionals. The dosages and treatment regimens are precise and require close monitoring.

Cautions:

Strict Medical Supervision: Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract, particularly its alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine, must only be used under strict medical supervision and in a clinical setting. The dosage, administration, and monitoring of patients are crucial to prevent severe side effects.

Neurotoxicity: Vincristine, one of the alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract, can cause **neurological side effects**, such as peripheral neuropathy, if not administered carefully. Patients receiving these medications are closely monitored for any signs of neurotoxicity.

Bone Marrow Suppression: Treatment with these alkaloids can lead to **bone marrow suppression**, resulting in a decrease in blood cell counts. This requires regular blood tests and vigilant monitoring.

Potential Side Effects: Patients treated with Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract may experience various side effects, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Compatibility: The use of Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract in pharmaceutical formulations should consider its compatibility with other drugs and treatments being administered to patients.

Quality Control: Ensuring the quality and purity of Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract is paramount to maintaining the effectiveness and safety of cancer treatments. Stringent quality control measures are typically in place for the production of these medications.

Disclaimer: 
Please note, Medica Aroma Products does not recommend Catharanthus roseus (Vinca) Extract be taken internally unless under the supervision of a Medical Doctor certified in clinical Aromatherapy.