How did failure, determination, and a periwinkle save lives?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

September 25, 2001

Sponsored By: Springhill Nursery—>Click here.

killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~

Suggested Reading—>Click here.

Killer Picks: Variegated Vinca, Evergreen Vinca, Ring-a-Round the Tree Garden—>Click here.

Every now and then, determined observers make a chance discovery. Today, there are thousands of people alive because of a flowering annual, yet people pass it by seldom looking twice. Most gardeners do not even know the value of this common plant other than its colorful drought tolerance.

Herbal medicine was often scorned at the advent of modern medicine. There appeared to be little use for the old ways, but early in the 20th Century, chemists began to notice that plants were a treasure trove of chemicals. Pharmaceutical researchers began studying the folkloric uses of plants. Analyzing the chemistry, they sought to discover if there was a scientific foundation to the medicinal claims. In the 1950s, researchers focused on a tea used in Jamaica to treat diabetes. The tea was made from rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus). Researchers at both the University of Western Ontario and Eli Lilly in Indianapolis were in a race to discover an oral alternative to insulin injections. But both groups failed in the quest to substantiate the folklore claim.

Lipstick by Nelda Pieper
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

The Western Ontario researchers tested a crude extract from the rosy periwinkle on lab rats. It drastically lowered white blood cell counts and severely decreased the ability of the bone marrow to replace these cells. From this observation, they decided to test this extract specifically against leukemia cells. Cycles of refining the extract and testing on leukemia cells led to the isolation of a chemical colorfully named vincaleukoblastine. (And, no, the name does not mean something that blasts leukemia cells.)

Back at Eli Lilly, the researchers had noticed that lab rats with P-1534 leukemia appeared to do a little better when given a crude extract from rosy periwinkle. They refined and began a broad testing program of several extracts on leukemic rats. One refined extract worked and most of the rats made full recovery from an otherwise fatal disease. This chemical was named leurocristine.

Two independent groups of researchers were smart enough to examine their failures to produce an insulin substitute. The Canadians found vincaleukoblastine, a chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease and tumors. The Lilly group found leurocristine, a chemical to save the lives of children with acute leukemia. A common flowering annual and two sets of determined researchers made what outsiders called a chance discovery.

Texas A and M University has a nice photograph of Catharanthus roseus. To view the photograph of a variety often called "Bright Eyes", click on the link:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/aransas/periwinkle.htm

killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~

Unique Professionally Designed Gardens

Springhill Nursery®

Spring Hill Nursery has unique gardens professionally designed by experts to take the guesswork out of gardening. Whether you are looking for a three season garden, foundation garden, or a garden to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, Spring Hill Nursery has created a step-by-step design just for you. Click here - $20 off your first order at Spring Hill Nursery!

Variegated Vinca

Springhill Nursery®

Glossy, leathery evergreen leaves edged with creamy white form a mat 4-6" high that spreads rapidly.

Lavender-blue, mid-spring blooms.

Hardy plants are ideal beneath trees and shrubs or for erosion control on shady banks. Space 18" apart.

Vinca minor 'Sterling Silver'

Deer Resistant

Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9 (-30° F)

Variegated Vinca Ships In The Spring Click here - Save $20 on $50 order

Planting Requirements: Grows best in light shade and moist areas, but flowers more profusely with sun.
Soil Requirements: Grows in most any soil, except the poorest and too dry. As with other vincas; to prevent stem blight, provide good air circulation and avoid over-fertilizing.
Unique Characteristics: Spreads rapidly to form a very attractive ground cover. Excellent species for erosion control on banks. Foliage does not 'bleach out' in summer.
Additional Information: Trailing leaves root as they trail.

Evergreen Vinca

Springhill Nursery®

Evergreen Vinca has outstanding foliage quickly forms a glossy evergreen carpet that grows 6" high and is smothered with starry blue blooms in early to mid-spring.

Great for beneath trees and shrubs or on banks. Grows in any type of soil. Space 12-18" apart.

#1 divisions. Deer tend to avoid.

Vinca minor

Hardiness Zone: 2 - 9 (-40° F)

Evergreen Vinca Ships In The Spring Click here - Save $20 on $50 order

Planting Requirements: Water during dry spells.
Soil Requirements: Does well in all but the poorest soils. Best in moist but well drained.
Unique Characteristics: Hardier than Vinca major.
Additional Information: Trailing leaves root as they trail.

Ring-a-Round the Tree Garden

Springhill Nursery®

A lone tree begs to be under planted. You can be a lot more creative than simply surrounding it with Ivy, Pachysandra or Vinca. Us the Ring-a-Round the Tree Garden!

Here, Caladiums are the scene-stealers. (Actually, we prefer their common name, "Rainbow Plants", because no two leaves are ever identical.) They are rich in shades of pink and red with white, lime green and cream, often creating a tricolor effect.

Astilbes heighten the red and pink color emphasis.

Hostas and Ferns provide long-lasting foliage contrasts.

You're sure to find this garden a delight in any shady location, with or without a tree.

Fills approximately 100 sq. ft. with color and elegance all summer long. Click here - Save $20 on $50 order

1 garden includes 24 prime quality plants listed:
(A $103.87 Catalog Value.)

Red Fanal Astilbe (Red) (3), The all-time favorite for bringing gorgeous color to shady spots! Great accenting fresh bouquets and arrangements.
Mixed Caladiums (6), Provides a continuous display of beautifully patterned, heart-shaped foliage from summer to frost.
Virginia Bluebells (3), One of early to mid-spring's most delightful sights in the wild or in the garden.
White Edged Hosta (3), Dramatic emerald leaves with white edges. Lavender flowers. Grows 15-24" high, 24-36" wide.
Lily-of-the-Valley (6), Clusters of fragrant white bells on 8-10" stems appear in mid to late spring amid emerald-green leaves.
Lady Fern (3), Versatile and hardy, tropical looking fern. Summer fronds up to 30" long and 12-24" wide are great for shady areas.

View Planting Chart Here.

Ring-a-Round the Tree Garden Ships In The Spring Click here - Save $20 on $50 order