Source: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/Vinca-minor-Bowles-Variety-Periwinkle

Vinca minor, otherwise known as the common periwinkle or the myrtle, is a perennial evergreen plant native to Europe. While its exact origin is still contested, the most prevalent theory is that Vinca minor originated around the Mediterranean, South of Switzerland and between Portugal and Turkey. It is often used as an ornamental ground cover and is a widespread invasive species in much of the continental United States. However, it was also introduced to the US for its medicinal properties.

Vinca minor contains dozens of alkaloids, a group designating organic chemical compounds containing basic Nitrogen atoms. The most important of the compounds that can be extracted from the Vinca minor is vincamine (shown on the bottom left). Vincamine is an indole alkaloid found in the leaves of the plant that has a vasodilation effect on the human body. The compound specifically increases blood flow to the brain and is often taken as an anti-aging supplement. It is important to note that these effects have not been conclusively proven. The most famous derivative of vincamine is vinpocetine (shown on the bottom right). This derivative has show anti-convulsive, anti-inflammatory, vasodilation, and memory enhancing effects. Studies on vinpocetine have been largely inconclusive as well, and the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the drug for use. Both vincamine and vinpocetine are rarely used in professional medical settings. The majority of their medical use stems from people self-administering the compounds via the consumption of tea brewed from Vinca minor leaves. The predominant use of Vinca minor has been, and seems to always be, its ornamental property as a low maintenance shrub.