Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don), commonly known as tapak dara, is a flowering perennial herb belonging to the Apocynaceae family. Native to Madagascar and widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions, including Indonesia, the plant has long been used in traditional medicine. It contains more than 130 indole alkaloids, the most notable being vincristine, vinblastine, ajmalicine, serpentine, catharanthine, and vindoline. These bioactive compounds possess significant pharmacological activities, particularly in oncology, making Catharanthus roseus one of the most important medicinal plants in modern pharmaceutical research.
Sumber: Alodokter
Applications and Benefits in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as the primary natural source of vincristine and vinblastine, two essential alkaloids used in chemotherapy for treating leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, and other malignancies.
- Incorporated into anticancer pharmaceutical formulations due to its ability to inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells.
- Studied for its antidiabetic potential, as certain compounds may help support healthy blood glucose regulation.
- Investigated for its antihypertensive properties, particularly the alkaloid ajmalicine, which supports healthy blood circulation.
- Utilized in antioxidant formulations to help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Explored for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities in pharmaceutical research.
- Investigated for its potential neuroprotective properties through its diverse alkaloid profile.
- Used as a valuable source of plant-derived alkaloids for the development of novel pharmaceutical compounds.
- Continues to be researched for new therapeutic applications in oncology, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases.
