Inflammation is a critical biological response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. The search for safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents has increasingly turned toward medicinal plants. Catharanthus roseus (commonly known as Madagascar periwinkle) is a well-known medicinal plant traditionally used for its diverse pharmacological properties. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Catharanthus roseus based on evidence from In vitro studies.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published up to August 2025. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, including In vitro experimental designs assessing anti-inflammatory activity of C. roseus extracts or compounds. Data extraction focused on study design, extract type, experimental models used (e.g., macrophage cell lines, LPS-induced inflammation), biomarkers assessed (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, NO), and outcomes reported.

The review included 18 In vitro studies demonstrating that various parts of C. roseus—notably leaf, stem, and root extracts—exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity. Mechanisms of action observed included inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppression of nitric oxide production, and downregulation of inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and iNOS. Several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and flavonoids, were identified as likely contributors to the observed effects. Ethanol and methanol extracts were among the most effective solvent systems used for extraction.