Herb & supplement monograph

Periwinkle Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Periwinkle interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Periwinkle is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Periwinkle is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Periwinkle Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Periwinkle drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone taking blood pressure medicine deserves extra care. No interactions are rated major, and every one on the list is moderate and traces back to a single concern.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that matters most involves blood pressure medications. Periwinkle contains a compound called vincamine that may lower blood pressure on its own, so combining it with these drugs could add to their effect and drop blood pressure further than intended. Because blood pressure treatment is closely monitored, even a modest added effect could matter for some people. That said, this concern is largely theoretical and has not been confirmed in well-controlled human studies.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications looks long, nearly all of those entries reflect this one blood pressure concern applied across many individual drugs. It does not mean each combination has been shown to cause harm, and the supporting evidence is limited rather than proven.

Check your medications against Periwinkle

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Periwinkle interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Periwinkle

172 medications have a known interaction with Periwinkle, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Periwinkle using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Periwinkle interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Periwinkle combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Periwinkle affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Periwinkle is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Periwinkle interacts with

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking periwinkle may increase the effects of antihypertensive drugs due to the hypotensive activity of vincamine, a constituent of periwinkle.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Monograph

Periwinkle: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a flowering plant whose alkaloids are the source of vinpocetine, a compound marketed for memory and brain circulation. Evidence in humans is limited and mixed, and the plant contains potent compounds that can be toxic in larger amounts, so it should be used only with professional guidance. A closely related plant, Madagascar periwinkle, is the source of important cancer chemotherapy drugs but is not safe to use as a home remedy.

Scientific name: Vinca minor
Family: Apocynaceae
Part used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops); related compounds come from Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, dried herb, tinctures, teas, and standardized extracts (such as vinpocetine derived from the plant's alkaloids)

People commonly use it for

Memory and cognitive support
Circulation problems
Dizziness and ringing in the ears
Minor wounds and sore throat (traditional)
High blood pressure (traditional)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Periwinkle contains strong alkaloids that can be toxic in higher doses, so it should be used carefully and only with professional advice.

PregnancyUnsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingUnsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Periwinkle usually refers to Vinca minor, a low-growing evergreen plant with glossy leaves and small blue-purple flowers. It is native to Europe and is now widely grown as a garden ground cover in many parts of the world, including North America.

The plant has a long history in traditional medicine, where it was used for memory, circulation, and minor bleeding. Today it is best known as a natural source of alkaloids, including the one used to make vinpocetine, a compound sold in some supplements for brain health.

It is important not to confuse Vinca minor with Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), a different plant that is the original source of the chemotherapy drugs vincristine and vinblastine. Neither plant should be used casually as a home remedy.

Uses & effectiveness

People most often use periwinkle and its derivatives for memory, mental sharpness, and blood flow to the brain. Some early research on vinpocetine (a compound made from periwinkle alkaloids) suggests possible effects on circulation and brain function, but the overall evidence in humans is limited, mixed, and not strong enough to call it proven.

Traditionally, periwinkle has also been used for dizziness, ringing in the ears, minor wounds, sore throat, and high blood pressure. These uses are based mostly on tradition and laboratory studies rather than solid clinical trials.

For most uses, high-quality human evidence is insufficient. If you are considering periwinkle for a health concern such as memory loss, talk with your doctor first, since these symptoms can have serious causes that need proper evaluation.

How it works

Periwinkle contains a group of compounds called indole alkaloids, including vincamine. Vincamine is the starting material used to produce vinpocetine.

Laboratory and animal studies suggest these compounds may widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, and may affect certain chemical signals in the brain. Some research also points to possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

It is important to know that much of this information comes from test-tube and animal research, and results in the lab do not always carry over to real benefits in people.

Safety & precautions

Periwinkle contains powerful alkaloids that can be toxic in larger amounts. It should not be treated as a gentle herbal tea. Use it only under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare professional.

People with low blood pressure or those scheduled for surgery should be especially cautious, since periwinkle may affect blood pressure. People with bleeding disorders or who are immune-compromised should also avoid it without medical advice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid periwinkle if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Its alkaloids are potent and safety has not been established for these situations.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplement you are taking, especially before surgery or if you have a chronic health condition.

Side effects

Reported side effects can include stomach upset, nausea, low blood pressure, flushing, and headache. Because periwinkle affects blood vessels, dizziness is also possible.

In larger amounts, the alkaloids in periwinkle can be more seriously toxic and may affect the nervous system and other organs. This is one reason that careful dosing and professional oversight are important.

If you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe weakness, or any other concerning symptoms, stop using it and seek medical care.

Periwinkle: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Periwinkle from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Periwinkle is generally regarded as unsafe for use. Orally, periwinkle can cause cytotoxic, neurologic, liver, and kidney damage due to its vinca alkaloid constituents. Periwinkle has also been reported to cause gastrointestinal complaints, skin flushing, and hypotension.

Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Reports by condition

Niacin-induced flushing Dermatologic

Orally, periwinkle can cause skin flushing.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standard dose for periwinkle as an herb. Products vary widely in strength and in which part of the plant or which extract they contain.

If you use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not take more than recommended. Because the plant contains potent alkaloids, taking too much can be harmful.

The safest approach is to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting periwinkle so they can review the specific product and your health history.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Periwinkle & Pregnancy

Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.

Periwinkle & Breastfeeding

Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Periwinkle monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Periwinkle

21 brands in our database make a supplement containing Periwinkle.

Animal 139 products BSN 224 products Doctor Morse's Healing Herbs 47 products Dr. Morse's Cellular Botanicals 79 products Get Real Nutrition 16 products Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herb Pharm 3,320 products Herb Pharm Professional 28 products Herb Stop 193 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Herbs, Etc. 388 products Jane Health 12 products LifeSeasons 110 products MBi Nutraceuticals 114 products Nature's Answer 1,655 products Nikken Wellness Kenzen 31 products Pure Herbs 634 products Reliv 59 products Simply Young 18 products TerraVita 2,475 products TerraVita Premium Collection 4,019 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Periwinkle

113 products in our database contain Periwinkle. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Periwinkle: Common Questions

Does Periwinkle interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 172 medications with a known interaction with Periwinkle. Use the checker above to see how Periwinkle interacts with a specific drug.

How are Periwinkle interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Periwinkle with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Periwinkle interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Periwinkle used for?

People commonly use Periwinkle for memory and brain circulation, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and as a traditional remedy for minor wounds and sore throat. However, strong human evidence is lacking for most of these uses.

Is Periwinkle the same as the chemotherapy plant?

Not exactly. Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is different from Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), which is the source of cancer drugs like vincristine. Neither should be used as a home remedy without medical guidance.

Is Periwinkle safe to take?

Periwinkle contains potent alkaloids that can be toxic in larger amounts, so it should be used cautiously and only with professional advice. It is not considered a gentle, everyday herb.

Can I take Periwinkle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

No. You should avoid Periwinkle during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of its strong compounds and a lack of safety information.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Periwinkle

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Periwinkle — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 113 products with Periwinkle →

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Periwinkle Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Periwinkle Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Periwinkle

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Periwinkle affects

Periwinkle: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

Uses & effectiveness

How it works

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Periwinkle: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Periwinkle & Pregnancy

Periwinkle & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Periwinkle

Supplement products with Periwinkle

Periwinkle: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Periwinkle

Have a question about Periwinkle?