The accumulation and degradation of alkaloids in catharanthus roseus supported by various external agents under different environmental conditions

Abstract

Catharanthus roseus (L.) is a member of the family Apocynaceae, a rich source of indole alkaloids, used in several disorders like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, constipation, cancer, and menstrual problems. There are three common cul- tivars of C. roseus, namely, "Rosea," "Alba" and "Ocellata." four chief alkaloids in clinical use are vinblastine, vinorelbine, vincristine, and vindesine. Vincristine and vinblastine have widespread use in modern medicine as latent anticancer compounds. The physiologically important and anticancerous alkaloids, vinblastine and vincristine, are mostly present in leaves and antihypertensive alkaloids which originate in roots such as ajmalicine, serpentine, and reserpine. Accretion of alkaloids in C. roseus happens in response to various external and/or internal factors including elicitors or signal molecules. Secondary metabolites help plants in overcoming stress conditions by altering physiological processes. Environmental factors such as heat, moisture, light concentration, the source of water, mineral deposits, and CO2 impact the growth of C. roseus and accumulation of metabolites (Marschner 1995). Dearth, high salinity, and very low temperature are environmental conditions that may have adverse effects on the growth and productivity of C. roseus. This chapter reviews the impact of various abiotic issues including dearth, salt, light, heavy metals, frost, heavy metels etc. on alkaloid accumulation in C. roseus. The main focus of the present review is on enhancement and degradation of alkaloids in C. roseus under different environmental conditions.