Plant Alkaloids Atallah F. Ahmed

Atallah F. Ahmed, PhD 2010
catharanthine
Pharmacological action and uses
vindoline 15
Mode of action: these indole dimeric alkaloids inhibit cell mitosis by
binding to the tubulin protein of the mitotic spindle (shared mechanism
with other natural agents, e.g. colchicine and podophyllotoxin).
Vinblastine (Velban): treatment of Hodgkin’s disease, a cancer affecting
the lymph glands, spleen, and liver.
Vincristine (Oncovin) is superior antitumor but more neurotoxic relative
to vinblastine. Especially useful in treatment of childhood leukemia,
giving a high rate of remission.
Both alkaloids are also effective in some cancers e.g. lymphomas, small
cell lung cancer, cervical and breast cancers, also.
Semi-synthetic derivative: Vindesine from vinblastine for treatment of
acute lymphoid leukaemia in children. children Vinorelbine from
anhydrovinblastine. It is orally active and has a broader anticancer
activity and lower neurotoxicity than vinblastine or vincristine.
Monomeric alkaloids are inactive.
Atallah F. Ahmed, PhD 2010
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5/30/2010
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