Periwinkle (Vinca minor), fam. Apocynaceae.
   Ornamental plant, occurs in the city as well as in the forest - the latter is probably due to somebody who has planted it there.
   Periwinkle conatins a lot of alkaloids (reserpine, components of the remedies called vincapan, devincan, vincamin) - they are valuable substances used in medicine, and many of them are toxic. The plant is effective as a sedative, combats dizziness and headache, improves the function of heart and increases capillary elasticity, inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

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