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Periwinkle

Also indexed as:Lesser Periwinkle, Vinca minor
Periwinkle: Main Image © Martin Wall
Common names:
Lesser Periwinkle
Botanical names:
Vinca minor

Parts Used & Where Grown

The flower and leaf of lesser periwinkle are used medicinally. Periwinkle is an evergreen shrub that grows in Europe, northwestern Africa, central Asia, and some parts of North America.

  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • This interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Amount Why
Alzheimer’s Disease
Refer to label instructions 2 stars [2 stars] Lesser periwinkle contains the alkaloid vincamine, which has shown some benefit to people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Canker Sores
Refer to label instructions 1 star [1 star] Periwinkle is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation.
Menorrhagia
Refer to label instructions 1 star [1 star] Astringent herbs such as periwinkle have been traditionally used for heavy menstruation.
Tinnitus
Refer to label instructions 1 star [1 star] Periwinkle contains a compound that has been shown to reduce symptoms in people whose tinnitus is due to poor blood flow.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Periwinkle has likely been used for medicine for a long time; its Latin name, Vinca, is derived from the Latin word vincere, meaning “to overcome.” European herbalists have used periwinkle for headaches, vertigo, and poor memory since medieval times.1 It was also considered a helpful remedy for conditions with a watery or bloody discharge such as diarrhea, bleeding gums, or menorrhagia.2

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.


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