A Review on Vinca Alkaloids in Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms, Cultivation and Future Prospects

Cancer remains a leading global health burden, responsible for millions of deaths annually. Therapeutic strategies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and pharmacological agents are widely utilised. Among the chemotherapeutic agents, The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) serves as a natural source of vinca alkaloids, a group of compounds widely recognized for their therapeutic applications. They have gained prominence due to their potent cytotoxic and hypoglycemic properties. Traditionally used for managing hypertension and diabetes, these alkaloids are now critically important in oncology. The four principal vinca alkaloids used in clinical settings include vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, and vindesine. Additionally, vinflunine, a synthetic analogue, has been approved in Europe for treating advanced transitional cell carcinoma. This review presents an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological potential, extraction methods, clinical relevance, and recent advances in the therapeutic use of vinca alkaloids. By exploring both traditional uses and contemporary research findings, this article aims to support the integration of these plant-based compounds into cost-effective cancer treatment strategies.