Periwinkle Symbol
The notable logo of MAKNA is inspired by the periwinkle flower, scientifically named Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle), a species of the Catharanthus native and endemic to Madagascar. Locally known as Kemunting Cina, periwinkle is a perennial plant commonly found in the gardens, by the roadside and even on the playgrounds in Malaysia. This lovely and delicate flower is in fact revolutionizing the treatment of cancer through a number of chemotherapy drugs. Chemicals in these plants have been found to contain the unique ability to keep certain kinds of cancerous cells from reproducing. For example, these chemicals have been known to have helped increase the survival rate of childhood leukaemia from a mere 10 per cent to 95 per cent!
The most important plant source ingredient in chemotherapy is alkaloids from the Madagascar Periwinkle. Two alkaloids named vinblastine and vincristine are today commonly used individually or combined with other forms of therapy for cancer treatment. With these meaningful contribution to the cancer society, MAKNA decided to embrace this flower as the organization's emblem in the battle against cancer.
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