Rosy Periwinkle Flashcards
What is rosy periwinkle?
A small evergreen shrub native to Madagascar
Contains 70 known alkaloids
What growing conditions does it require?
Warm tropical climate, without frost, well-drained but moisture-retaining soils and slightly acidic (pH5-6)
How was rosy periwinkle traditionally used?
To treat diabetes in Madagascar, China and the Philippines - prompted scientists to study the plant and discover its anti-cancer properties
What are the 2 main alkaloids found in the plant and what are they used to treat?
Vincristine - used in chemotherapy to treat child leukaemia - survival rates from 10% in 1970 to 95% today
Vinblastine - proved highly effective in treating Hodgkin’ lymphoma
What are the problems associated with the use of Vincristine and vinblastine?
Both toxic with bad side effects (e.g. nausea, hair loss, headaches, depression, muscle cramps)
Scientists currently unable to synthesise these alkaloids - relies on commercial cultivation, mainly in india, central asia and madagascar
Which US pharmaceutical giant developed these drugs?
Eli Lilly - global sales worth hundreds of millions of dollars
How has biopiracy been occurring?
Few profits channeled back to Madagascar and its indigenous rainforest people - exploitation of biological resources - Deprives LIDCs like Madagascar of valuable international trade which could boost their economies - hinders economic growth and progress in tackling poverty and inequality
Direct conservation measures are a low priority for this species as it can thrive in disturbed areas, is widely established across tropical regions of the world, commonly cultivated in gardens and grown commercially for the pharmaceutical industry
Yep.
How many medicinal plants are at risk of extinction?
400
What is disease eradication?
Permanent reduction to zero of its incidence worldwide - WHO declared smallpox eradicated in 1980
What is disease elimination?
Reduction to zero of incidence in a defined geographical area
