Vincristine is derived from the rosy periwinkle plant.
The Rosy Periwinkle: A Source of Vital Compounds
Vincristine, also known by its brand name Oncovin, is a crucial medication extracted from the leaves of the rosy periwinkle plant. This plant is scientifically identified as Catharanthus roseus, previously known as Vinca rosea.
Key Details About Vincristine's Origin
- Plant Name: Rosy Periwinkle
- Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus (formerly Vinca rosea)
- Part Used: The leaves of the plant are processed to extract the compounds.
- Related Compounds: Another important compound, vinblastine (Velban), is also extracted from the same plant.
Both vincristine and vinblastine are complex molecules whose potent cytotoxic properties were first discovered in 1958. This discovery occurred during research efforts aimed at identifying components responsible for the supposed antidiabetic properties of the plant.
The table below summarizes the key aspects of these plant-derived compounds:
| Compound | Common Plant Source | Scientific Name | Part Used | Discovery Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vincristine | Rosy Periwinkle | Catharanthus roseus | Leaves | Potent cytotoxicity discovered in 1958 during research into the plant's attributed antidiabetic properties. |
| Vinblastine | Rosy Periwinkle | Catharanthus roseus | Leaves | Discovered alongside vincristine, sharing the same origin and historical research context. |
The ability of the rosy periwinkle to produce such potent compounds highlights the significant role of natural products in medicine. For more information on the plant, you can explore resources on Catharanthus roseus. For details on the medication, information on vincristine is widely available from medical and pharmaceutical sources.
