Herba Catharanthi
Rosei
Source
The whole plant of Catharanthus roseus (L) G.Don and its cultivated variety
of C. roseus (L.) G.Don var. a/bus (Sweet) G.Don, family Apocynaceae.
Characteristics
A herb or subshrub. Leaves opposite, elliptical. Cymose inflorescence,
2-
3
followers terminal or axillary, the corolla salverform and pink or whitish.
Fruit follicular, in pairs, and cylindraceous. Slightly bitter in taste,
cool in nature, toxic, and attributive to liver channel.
Indication
Clear away heat and toxic material, cool the blood and lower blood pressure:
For leukemia, lymphosarcoma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and primary
thrombocytopenic purpura.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Vinblastine and vincristine are the active components which inhibit
leukemia and other cancers. They interfere with mitosis and inhibit synthesis
of purine, DNA and RNA
2.
Lowering blood pressure and the level of blood sugar.
3. Diuretic.
4. Vinblastine inhibits the function of bone marrow and cause leukopenia
and thrombocytopenia. It may also cause trichomadesis and vomiting.
Administration
Decoction:
6-15g chiefly for hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
Vinblastine ampoule: 5-10mg added in normal saline 10 ml IV once every
7-10 days, 50-80mg as one course.
Vincristine ampoule: 1-2mg added in normal saline 20 ml IV once a week,
10-20mg as one course.