Phytochemical profiling of Vinca rosea and antifungal potential of the leaf extract and isolated compound vindoline against wheat pathogens from the northern part of India

Natural products significantly impact the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, especially as “eco-friendly” alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This research work aimed to investigate the phytochemical properties of the Vinca rosea plant, focusing on extracts obtained from various polar and non-polar solvents and their antifungal potential against two fungi affecting wheat plants (Fusarium graminearum and Bipolaris sorokiniana). Multiple techniques were used (maceration, sonication, Soxhlet extraction) to prepare extracts, and their phytochemical screening was done to analyze different bioactive compounds, which was further confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), showing the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins as bioactive compounds in this plant. GC–MS analysis helped identify potentially important compounds with higher concentrations and further helped to isolate vindoline from leaf extract. Antifungal assays demonstrated vindoline effectiveness against F. graminearum and B. sorokiniana. This study’s findings underscore the importance of V. rosea as a natural source of antifungal agents. The identified bioactive compounds in GC–MS analysis also pave the way for developing pharmaceutical biosynthesis pathways, enlightening future research and development in these industries.