Alkaloids form one of the most diverse groups of secondary metabolites found in living organisms. The complexity of their genetic, catalytic and transport processes presents one of the most stimulating intellectual challenges in the studies of plant secondary metabolism. Catharanthus roseus, the Madagascar periwinkle, produces many pharmaceutically important mono- and bis-indole alkaloids. In view of their valuable properties they have been the objective of numerous studies. The results of some of them have been presented in this monograph. The most economically and pharmaceutically important alkaloids are the bis-indole vincristine and vinblastine. Their important role in anticancer therapy has been compared to the discovery of penicillin for controlling the infectious diseases. It is worth noting that the cytostatic properties of these alkaloids were revealed by chance in the course of studies of the antidiabetic action of the extracts known in popular medicine.

figure a

Prof. Ala Sadowska

For the industrial production of these alkaloids special attention has been paid to obtain raw material of C. roseus with a high alkaloid content, using various methods. Although tropical and subtropical zones are the most suitable for cultivation of this plant, adequate growing conditions should be provided, according to the specific requirements of this species. The economically attractive production of herb material in temperate zones is possible in unheated plastic tunnels, though transplants should be prepared in a heated greenhouse. Seeds of proper quality can also be produced in heated greenhouses. Herb raw material and seeds may be successfully obtained in hydroponic culture as well.

Concerning biotechnology, plants of C. roseus can be successfully regenerated from in vitro cultures. Using various in vitro techniques, as micropropagation from existing and adventitious meristems or organs (natural or transgenic), tissue and cell cultures, a variety of new strains of C. roseus can be obtained.

Biotechnological methods such as suspension cultures and hairy roots cultured in bioreactors provide new sources of raw material. The content of ajmalicine, serpentine, and catharanthine in the transformed roots was reported to be higher than the amounts measured in studies of natural roots.

The quest for even better producing plants or plant cell cultures continues in the coming years due to the increasing demands for the dimers. However, the efficient chemical coupling of vindoline and catharanthine has moved the focus to the production of these monomers rather than that of the dimers. Further understanding of the complex biosynthesis, including aspects of compartmentation, transport and genetic regulation of the indole alkaloid pathway is a challenging task for the coming years. Better understanding of the biosynthesis will be of great importance to develop novel strategies for metabolic engineering of the plant and plant cells to improve the production of the desired alkaloids.