THE STORY OF VINCA ALKALOIDS: NATURE'S CONTRIBUTION TO ONCOLOGY

Vinca alkaloids are important plant-derived compounds that have made a major contribution to modern cancer therapy. Vincristine and vinblastine were discovered from the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) in the 1950s after researchers unexpectedly observed a reduction in white blood cells rather than the expected antidiabetic effect. These compounds work by interfering with microtubule formation, thereby stopping rapidly dividing cells and leading to cell death. Several bioactive molecules, including vinpocetine, vinflunine, and vinorelbine, are commercially available and are used as medicinal drugs for neurological disorders and various cancers. However, their production is associated with challenges such as low yields, scale-up difficulties, and toxicity concerns. Using endophytes to produce these valuable compounds could be a simpler, more sustainable, and efficient method, and it offers good opportunities for future research.