Phytochemical, Ethnopharmacological, and Medicinal Importance of Catharanthus roseus (Apocyanaceae): A Mini-review

From the ancient period, nature has always blessed human beings with a variety of medicinal plants having no or less side effects. Catharanthus roseus (Apocyanceae) is a well-known ayurvedic herb that can be found in vast quantities all around the world. The common name for C. roseus are periwinkle, pink periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, old maid, graveyard plant, cape periwinkle, and bright eyes. The present research has aimed to review the presence of phytochemicals, ethnopharmacological, traditional, and important medicinal information on C. roseus. This plant has traditionally been used to treat muscle discomfort, central nervous system depression, and wasp stings. Recent research has revealed that C. roseus contains more than 70 different types of alkaloids (indole alkaloids), saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and chemotherapeutic agents that are effective in treating life-threatening diseases like cancers. The phytoconstituents present in C. roseus exhibited antidiabetic, anticancer, antiulcer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and other pharmacological effects in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Vinca alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine) are one of the prominent phytoconstituents present in this plant which highly contribute to cancer chemotherapy. This mini-review will provide valid and crucial information about C. roseus to future research in natural drug discovery processes and also for clinical researchers to find vital and effective medication to treat life-threatening conditions.