Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Catharanthus roseus L. (periwinkle) is a well-documented medicinal plant with remarkable pharmacological potential, ranging from its established anticancer alkaloids to emerging evidence for its role in managing metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and microbial disorders. This comprehensive review consolidates findings from preclinical, mechanistic, and translational studies to provide an integrated perspective on its therapeutic applications and health benefits. The background highlights the plant’s traditional use in Ayurveda and ethnomedicine, complemented by modern discoveries of vinca alkaloids such as vincristine and vinblastine, which revolutionized cancer treatment through microtubule inhibition. The methodology adopted for this review involved a systematic literature search across multiple databases, focusing on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence relevant to pharmacological activities, bioactive constituents, and biosynthetic pathways. Results reveal that anticancer effects dominate the evidence base, supported by six robust studies, while antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial activities also demonstrate promising but less extensively validated outcomes. Statistical analysis of reference distribution highlights a predominance of mechanistic and preclinical studies, with limited clinical validation of whole extracts. The discussion emphasizes the translational challenges associated with phytochemical variability, the underexplored potential of standardized extracts, and the need for harmonized protocols. The conclusion underscores that while C. roseus has already achieved global impact in oncology, its broader therapeutic utility remains untapped. Practical recommendations include the application of metabolic engineering to optimize alkaloid yields, adoption of chemoprofiling for extract standardization, progression to controlled dose-response studies, and design of well-structured clinical trials. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological validation and aligning with regulatory frameworks will ensure the plant’s evolution from an ethnomedicinal resource to a holistic contributor in contemporary healthcare.