Peer Reviewed Journal
2024, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part B
Bioactive compounds of Catharanthus roseus L. and their role in modern pharmacotherapy
Author(s): Farhana Akter and Md. Rezaul Karim
Abstract: Catharanthus roseus L. (Apocynaceae), widely known as periwinkle, has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine and modern pharmacology due to its diverse repertoire of bioactive compounds. This research investigated the phytochemical composition and pharmacological potential of different plant parts, focusing on indole alkaloids and their therapeutic applications. Leaves, stems, roots, and flowers were analyzed using chromatographic techniques for quantification of vincristine, vinblastine, and vindoline. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH and ABTS assays, antidiabetic potential via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial and fungal strains using disc diffusion and microdilution methods, and cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, and HepG2) using MTT assays. Results revealed that leaves contained the highest alkaloid concentration and exhibited superior pharmacological activities compared to other plant parts. Alkaloid-enriched fractions demonstrated significantly stronger antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects than crude extracts, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and breast and cervical cancer cells. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among plant parts (ANOVA, p < 0.001) and established correlations between alkaloid content and pharmacological potency. The findings validate the traditional uses of C. roseus while reinforcing its role in modern pharmacotherapy, especially in oncology, diabetes management, and antimicrobial therapy. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for standardized cultivation, controlled extraction methods, and translational research to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Collectively, these results confirm that C. roseus remains a versatile bioresource for drug discovery and development, bridging traditional practices with evidence-based pharmacological innovation.
Pages: 129-134 | Views: 487 | Downloads: 233
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How to cite this article:
Farhana Akter, Md. Rezaul Karim. Bioactive compounds of Catharanthus roseus L. and their role in modern pharmacotherapy. Nat J Pharm Sci 2024;4(2):129-134.
