Catharanthus roseus, which translates as “rose-colored pure flower”, is known as the common or Madagascar Periwinkle. It is a perennial evergreen herb in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that was originally native to the island of Madagascar. Along with its cousin the lesser or common periwinkle (Vinca minor) it has historically been used to treat a wide assortment of diseases around the world. The plant finally came to the attention of western researchers in the 1950s when they discovered that alkaloids extracted from the plant had anticancer properties. Chemotherapy, combined with the administration of the drug vincristine (made from one of these alkaloids), has increased the survival rates in cases of childhood leukaemia from 20 to 80 per cent. Extracts from the plant are also used to treat Hodgkin's disease.