Catharanthus roseus (Tapak dara):"A controversial" medicinal plant in Indonesia

Abstract

Herbal medicine industry in Indonesia was shaken when Indonesian National Agency of Drugs and Food control prohibits the development of herbal medicines made from Catharanthus roseus. The reason given is that Catharanthus roseus contains alkaloids causing bone marrow depression. The purpose of this article to explore the effects of both preclinical and clinical pharmacological of Catharanthus roseus. The result of the research shows Catharanthus roseus have many pharmacological effects include: antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antihypertension, anticancer, antiangiognesis, antispermatogenic, antifungal, antibacteria, antioxidant, wound healing and even hepatoprotective activity.