Journals Information
Advances in Pharmacology and Pharmacy Vol. 13(4), pp. 592 - 601
DOI: 10.13189/app.2025.130410
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Pharmaceutical Importance of Catharanthus roseus in Cancer Management
Garima Kapoor 1, Rubina Bhutani 2,*, Navidha Aggarwal 3, Kandasamy Nagarajan 1, Pooja Gangwar 1
1 KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
2 School of Healthcare and Allied Sciences, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
3 MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), India
ABSTRACT
Catharanthus roseus (L.), also known as Madagascar periwinkle or Sadabahar, is a significant Apocynaceae family plant renowned for its medicinal properties. Catharanthus is having many beneficial alkaloids for treating diabetes, stomach issues, high blood pressure, asthma, menstrual problems, and cancer. The plant has two main cultivars, "Rosea" with pink flowers and "Alba" with white flowers. Various parts of the plant have been used traditionally in different cultures. In Brazil, an infusion of leaves is used as a mouthwash for tooth pain, to treat hemorrhage and scurvy, and to heal chronic wounds. In the West Indies and the Philippines, it is used for diabetes-related ulcers and as an oral anti-diabetic drug. The plant is also known for its antibacterial and hypotensive effects, although the latter has not been fully substantiated. The most potent components of C. roseus are its alkaloids, with over 400 identified. These alkaloids are utilized in insecticides, fragrances, food additives, medicines, and agrochemicals. The plant's roots and stems contain alkaloids like ajmalicine, vinblastine, and vincristine, which have shown significant anticancer activity. Vinblastine treats Hodgkin's disease and choriocarcinoma, while vincristine is effective against pediatric leukemia. Catharanthus roseus also plays a role in traditional medicine across various cultures, treating conditions such as dysentery, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. The plant's bioactive compounds, particularly vinblastine and vincristine, are critical in cancer treatment. Recent nanotechnology advancements could further enhance these compounds' efficacy, paving the way for new cancer treatments. Despite some toxicity concerns, vinca alkaloids remain among the most widely used cancer drugs.
KEYWORDS
Catharanthus roseus, Secondary Metabolites, Disease, Anticancer, Vinblastine and Vincristine
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Garima Kapoor , Rubina Bhutani , Navidha Aggarwal , Kandasamy Nagarajan , Pooja Gangwar , "Pharmaceutical Importance of Catharanthus roseus in Cancer Management," Advances in Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 592 - 601, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/app.2025.130410.
(b). APA Format:
Garima Kapoor , Rubina Bhutani , Navidha Aggarwal , Kandasamy Nagarajan , Pooja Gangwar (2025). Pharmaceutical Importance of Catharanthus roseus in Cancer Management. Advances in Pharmacology and Pharmacy, 13(4), 592 - 601. DOI: 10.13189/app.2025.130410.