🌿 Herbal & Medicinal Uses of Nithya Kalyani

1. Anti-Cancer Properties

• Contains vincristine and vinblastine – powerful alkaloids used in chemotherapy for leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.

• Used under medical supervision in pharmaceutical-grade preparations.

2. Diabetes Management

• Traditionally used in Siddha and Ayurveda for managing blood sugar levels.

• Leaf juice or decoction is consumed in small quantities for type 2 diabetes (under guidance).

3. Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory

• Leaves and flowers have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

• Used topically to treat wounds, insect bites, and skin irritations.

4. Wound Healing

• Crushed leaves applied externally to promote wound healing and reduce swelling.

5. Eye Health

• In folk practices, diluted leaf extracts are used for eye infections (though this must be done cautiously and hygienically).
  
  

🌿 Plant Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

• Genus: Catharanthus

• Species: Catharanthus roseus
  
  

🌱 Plant Description

• Type: Evergreen herb or subshrub

• Height: 30–90 cm

• Stem: Erect, branched

• Leaves: Opposite, ovate, glossy green

• Flowers: Pink, white, or purple with five petals; attractive and constantly blooming

• Fruits: Cylindrical seed pods
  
  

🌸 Flowering & Fruit

• Flowering: Year-round (hence the name Nithya Kalyani – "eternally auspicious")

• Fruit: Small pod with tiny seeds
  
  

🌿 Growth Requirements

• Climate: Tropical and subtropical; heat and drought tolerant

• Soil: Well-drained loamy soil

• Light: Full sun preferred

• Watering: Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
  
  

🌱 Propagation

• By Seeds: Easily germinated

• By Cuttings: Softwood cuttings root well

🗓️ Harvest Time

• Leaves & Flowers: Harvested as needed throughout the year

• Roots: Used in traditional medicine, harvested after full maturity

⚠️ Precautions

• All parts of the plant are mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities.

• Should not be used internally without proper medical supervision, especially for pregnant or lactating women.