The Biobrio 13(1 & 2), 2026

Medicinal importance of Catharanthus roseus in the rural areas around Getalsud Dam, Jharkhand: An ethnobotanical study

Arpana Sharma

ABSTRACT:

Getalsud Dam, also known as Rukka Dam, is one of the largest and most important reservoirs in Jharkhand. It is located near Ormanjhi in Ranchi district. This landscape supports a rich diversity of plant species, including many medicinal plants such as Catharanthus roseus. The combination of forest vegetation and village Medicinal plants have been an integral part of traditional healthcare systems in rural India. C. roseus (L.) G. Don, (syn. Vinca rosea), commonly known as Sadabahar, or Madagascar periwinkle, is one of the most valuable medicinal plants because of its wide range of therapeutic properties. The present study explores the medicinal importance of C. roseus in the rural communities surrounding Getalsud Dam in Ranchi district, Jharkhand. Information was gathered through ethnobotanical observations, interactions with local villagers, and a review of published scientific literature. The study found that rural households cultivate the plant mainly as an ornamental species while also using it in traditional remedies for diabetes, wounds, skin infections, fever, and digestive disorders. Besides its traditional uses, the plant possesses pharmacologically important alkaloids such as vincristine and vinblastine, which are widely used in modern cancer treatment. The findings emphasize the need to conserve medicinal plants and preserve indigenous knowledge for sustainable healthcare and biodiversity conservation.

Keywords:    

Catharanthus roseus, Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants, Getalsud Dam, healthcare

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