Catharanthus Roseus Linn—A Review

M Padmaa Paarakh, S Swathi, Tasneem Taj, V Tejashwini, B Tejashwini
2019 Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences  
Catharanthus roseus Linn (synonym: Vinca rosea; Madagascar periwinkle; Apocynaceae) a perennial plant is commonly seen in tropical counties and are native to Madagascar and Southern Asia [1, 2] . The plant has spread all over tropical and subtropical parts of India and grows wild all over the plains and lower foothills in Northern and Southern hills of India. In Malaysia it is locally called as Kemunting Cina. The periwinkle logo as a symbol for hope for cancer patients is used by National
more » ... r Council of Malaysia [3]. The flowers produced by these plants are planted for decorative purposes are of colours such as pink, purple and white Madagascar periwinkle is used traditionally for number of ailments such as high blood pressure, infection and diabetes mellitus. Stem produces a milky sap which is a source for more than 70 indole alkaloids. Vincristine and vinblastine were isolated from this plant are well known anti cancer drugs for Hodgkin's lymphoma and childhood leukemia respectively. The mechanism of action being bindIng to tubulin thus inhibit the metaphase of cellular mitosis. Hair loss, pe-
doi:10.31080/asps.2019.03.0393 fatcat:oahelxhgwngefn6ouujabl64jy