Madagascar periwinkle alkaloids: Biosynthesis, ethnobotanical attributes, and pharmacological functions

• Published in: South African journal of botany 2022-12, Vol.151, p.108-115
• Main Authors: Sharma, Abhishek, Tiwari, Pragya, Arora, Rajesh, Sankaranarayanan, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catharanthus roseus; Herbal medicine; Monoterpenoid indole alkaloids; Pharmacological uses; Vinblastine; Vincristine
• ISSN: 0254-6299; 1727-9321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2022.09.039

•Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is a classified high-value, low-volume medicinal herb.•It is the sole source of anticancer drug vinblastine and vincristine.•This review discusses pharmacological properties of alkaloids and some non-alkaloids.•Also discuss their potential efficacy in clinical trials, and future prospects in the treatment of multiple human disorders. The rising incidence of human diseases has necessitated the exploration of alternative sources of medications, with a refocus and exploration of plant-based metabolites demonstrating pharmacological attributes. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, popularly known as Madagascar Periwinkle, constitutes an attractive source of monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs), vincristine, and vinblastine and analogs demonstrating efficacy in the treatment of multiple disorders. Considering the emerging prospects and global demands of C. roseus alkaloids, the thematic review provides extensive insights into the biosynthesis of alkaloids in the plant via multiple metabolic pathways. This review extensively discusses the pharmacological properties of MIAs and some non-alkaloids, their potential efficacy in clinical trials, and future prospects of the bioactive metabolites in the treatment of multiple human disorders.