Catharanthus
Catharanthus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Catharanthus, is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family. Renowned for its potent alkaloids, most notably vinblastine, these species play a critical role in modern medicine. Often found in tropical regions, they are vital subjects in pharmacological research for treating various serious diseases.
- Family
- Not available
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Leaf · Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
CatharanthusDistribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several distinct Mediterranean regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing within the territory of Spain. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, where it inhabits both Italy and the island of Kriti. Moving toward the southern coast, the species is also located in Northern Africa, specifically in Tunisia. Finally, its range reaches the Macaronesia region, encompassing the Canary Is.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Spain |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. |
| Macaronesia | Madeira |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Plant Parts
Catharanthus has 3 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stem | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Leaf
- Analytical chemistry
Root
- Analytical chemistry
Stem
- Analytical chemistry
Preparations
Catharanthus has 7 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include CBN-exposed callus culture, buds, leaves, petals, roots.
| Preparation | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cbn-exposed callus culture | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Buds | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Petals | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Roots | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stems | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Unexposed catharanthus | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Cbn-exposed callus culture
- Nanotechnology
Buds
- Analytical chemistry
Leaves
- Analytical chemistry
Petals
- Analytical chemistry
Roots
- Analytical chemistry
Stems
- Analytical chemistry
Unexposed catharanthus
- Nanotechnology