Catharanthus in Drug Discovery

This book focuses on the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical trials and future prospects of Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as ‘Sadabahar’. It explores botanical leads derived from various species of Catharanthus, emphasizing their significance in today’s context.

Several species of Catharanthus are commonly used in traditional medicine and herbal formulations, particularly for cancer treatment, due to their bioactive compounds. The medicinal properties of these species stem from bisindole alkaloids like vincristine and vinblastine, which are known for their anticancer effects and are utilized in chemotherapy. This book explores the importance of separation techniques for the screening, identification, characterization, and quantification of both major and minor alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and volatile compounds in Catharanthus species, employing methods such as HPLC and HPLC/UPLC coupled with mass spectrometry. The chapters include detailed insights into the molecular and pharmacological aspects associated with Catharanthus, ensuring that readers can see the plant’s central role in drug discovery and develop an understanding of the molecular complexities involved in drug development. This book builds on outstanding research contributions from leading scientists and institutions to provide a comprehensive overview, extending beyond the individual papers discussed in its chapters to foster a global perspective.

The book aims to engage the scientific community in appreciating the critical role of biodiversity and the pharmacological significance of Catharanthus. This will not only facilitate academic learning but also serve as a thorough resource for researchers and pharmaceutical companies globally.