A Review: Importance of Catharanthus roseus in the treatment of Cancer

Abstract

Catharanthus roseus , commonly known as Vinca rosea, an important medicinal plant and a member of the family Apocynaceae is well known for its medicinal properties and ornamental attributes [1]. C. roseus, one of the most valuable medicinal plant species has traditionally been used since many ages in the treatment of a number of diseases including cancer [4]. The plant has gathered increased attention over the recent years because of its rich varieties of phytochemicals having numerous biological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic and anti-cancerous property. Till now, 344 bioactive photochemical is isolated and identified from Catharanthus roseus [2]. Among the various secondary metabolites isolated from this plant, Vincristine and Vinblastine are remarkably the first plant-derived compounds with anti-cancerous property applied for clinical use. Various types of anti-cancerous agent extracted from Catharanthus roseus and their role in the treatment of cancer has been mainly focused in this review article.