Antimicrobial compounds from catharanthus roseus- a review

Abstract

Catharanthus roseus L. (Apocynacea) which is also known as Madagascar periwinkle and Vinca rosea is historically been used for the treatment of various diseases. The assessment of this plant extracts to be used as prophylactic agent against certain human pathogens has been thoroughly investigated by previous researchers. It is an important plant for novel pharmaceuticals since most of the pathogens are developing resistance against currently available antimicrobial drugs. Thus, this review is summarizing the active compounds which are responsible for bioactivity of the plant and provides insight into genetic regulation of alkaloids containing in the extracts to serve as antimicrobial agents. Further research on Catharanthus roseus is highly recommended to explore its full potential as phytomedicine specifically to be developed as antimicrobial drug.