Studies on Catharanthus roseus G. Don (vinca rosea L.)

In recent years Catharanthus roseus Don (Vinca rosea L.) has gained considerable importance due to discovery of anticancerous activity of its alkaloids. The plant grows throughout India up to 1,300 meters and has run wild in coastal areas. It is grown as an ornamental shurb in gardens and around temples in India. Though it is comronly found in India yet no efforts have been made to carry out its phytochemical studies. Since 1965 studies on cultivation of plant have been started at the institute. The studies show that on average, the ischolar_mains contain 0.13% total alkaloids and smaller ischolar_main laterals contain 0.08%.