Skin Cancer and the Chemo Preventive Potential of Catharanthus Roseus (Sadabahar Plant): A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/sjmars.5.2.6Keywords:
Catharanthus roseus, Skin cancer, Chemoprevention, Vinca alkaloids, Vinblastine, VincristineAbstract
Skin cancer, encompassing melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), represents one of the most prevalent and rapidly increasing malignancies worldwide, with more than 1.5 million new cases estimated globally in 2022. Despite advances in surgical intervention, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, the significant side effects, high treatment costs, and drug resistance associated with conventional approaches underscore the urgent need for safer chemopreventive strategies derived from natural sources. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, commonly known as "Sadabahar" in India, is a medicinally revered member of the family Apocynaceae that has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine systems across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for centuries. The plant harbors more than 344 phytochemical compounds, including bisindole alkaloids (vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), monoterpene indole alkaloids (catharanthine, vindoline), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, rutin), phenolic acids, and volatile constituents, each endowed with remarkable pharmacological profiles. This review comprehensively examines the epidemiology and molecular pathogenesis of skin cancer, elucidates the phytochemical richness of C. roseus, and critically analyzes the chemopreventive mechanisms underlying its anticancer activity — including tubulin polymerization inhibition, apoptosis induction via caspase activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation, cell cycle arrest, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant photoprotection. The review further discusses the translational potential of C. roseus-derived compounds into dermatological and oncological therapeutics, identifies key challenges such as bioavailability and toxicity, and highlights directions for future research including nanoformulations and combinatorial pharmacology.
References
A. Dubey, L.K. Singh, M. Kumari. GC-MS technology evaluation of ethanol extract from (Asparagus racemosus Linn seeds) for possible prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections inducing diabetic scarring. Journal of Medicinal and Nanomaterials Chemistry, 2025, 7(4), 373-383.DOI: 10.48309/JMNC.2025.536358.1113
Abbas, M., & Bhaskaran, J. (2018). Anticancer, antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of Catharanthus roseus. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, 9(1), 742–748.
Ahmed, K. A., et al. (2024). Comparative analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidant characterization among different parts of Catharanthus roseus: In vitro and in silico investigation. BioMed Research International, 2024, 1904029. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1904029
Ansari M.V., Dash, S. L., Sahu, V. K., Dubey, A., Rathor V.P.S., &. (2024). An Update on the Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Profiles of Artemisia species. Alinteri J. of Agr. Sci. 39(2): 67-87 http://dergipark.gov.tr/alinterizbd.
Anubhav D, Arvind K, Vikram K S, Sribatsa L D, Amit M, Paras S. Cymbopogon flexuosus an Assessment of its botany, Conventional utilization, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Adv. Biores. Vol 16 [4] July 2025.08-16. DOI: 10.15515/abr.0976-4585.16.4.816
Anubhav D, Paras S, Vikram K S, Sribatsa L D, Amit M, Arvind K. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Essential Oil Components with Antimicrobial Action. Adv. Biores., Vol 16 (3) May 2025: 184-192. DOI: 10.15515/abr.0976-4585.16.3.184192
Batt, A., Singh, K., Gupta, J. K., Chanchal, D. K., Kumar, K., Dubey, A., Jain, D. (2024). A comprehensive review of cellular stress response pathway system of Rhizoma coptidis. Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine, 100491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2024.100491
Bhatt, S., et al. (2024). Pharmacological significance of Catharanthus roseus in contemporary medicine: A review. South African Journal of Botany, 167, 102–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2024.08.002
Boniol, M., et al. (2012). Cutaneous melanoma attributable to sunbed use: Systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal, 345, e4757. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e4757
Chaudhary, J. S., Chanchal, D. K., Dubey, A., Tomar, V., Verma, R., Pandey, M.,, Prathavi Shakya,P.S., Kumar,K. (2025) Qualitative phytochemical screening and quantitative estimation of bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris L. Biochem. Cell. Arch. 25, 719-723. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/bca.2025.25.1.719.
Chaudhary, J. S., Chanchal, D. K., Singh, K., Gupta, J. K., Jain, D., Dubey, A., Pandey, M., & Khan, S. (2025). Transforming RNA-Based Gene Therapy with Innovative Nanocarriers for siRNA and miRNA Delivery. Current gene therapy, 10.2174/0115665232355294250330002630. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.2174/0115665232355294250330002630.
Das, S., & Sharangi, A. B. (2017). Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don: Multipurpose medicinal herb. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 6(3), 121–126.
Deshmukh, R., Verma, S., Yaduwanshi, P. S., Dubey, A., & Kumari, M. (2025). Molecular-targeted Therapy for Precision Medicine in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Advancement in Cancer Targeting Strategies. Current cancer drug targets, 10.2174/0115680096333058241114064802. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.2174/0115680096333058241114064802
Dubey A, Kumari M, Tiwari V, Sonker A, Kumar V, Nyarko RO. Pharmacological assessment of medicinal extract's anti-anxiety impact in animals by locomotive and behavioural research employing light sensitivity. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Medicine 2025; 3(1): 1-5.DOI: 10.70199/IJPSM.3.1.1-5
Dubey A, Samra, Sahu VK, Dash SL and Mishra A: A review on plant Opilia celtidifolia: an assessment of its botany, conventional utilization, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Int J Pharm Sci & Res 2024; 15(3): 690-98. doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.15(3).690-98.
Dubey A, Shahi S, Mishra R, Dash SL, Samanthula KS. Pharmacological screening of natural products for lung diseases: A comprehensive review. IP Indian J Immunol Respir Med. 2025;10(3):110-121. DOI10.18231/j.ijirm.2025.001
Dubey A, Shahi S, Singh SK, Kumari M, Dwivedi S. Containers on the micro- and nanoscale for neurodegenerative diseases: nose-to-brain drug transportation. Research Journal of Biotechnology.20 (8)264-272(2025). https://doi.org/10.25303/208rjbt2640272
Dubey A, Shukla D, Kumari M, Gupta AK. Lung aging and climate exposures: Molecular processes and consequences for enhancing pulmonary health. IP Indian J Immunol Respir Med. 2025;10(2):44-52. http://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijirm.2025.009
Dubey, A., Dash, S. L., Mukherjee, C., Mishra, T., Kumari, M., & Shahi, S. (2025). In VitroAnti-arthritis Activity of Asparagus Racemosus Linn Seed Extract Against Albumin Denaturation. Journal of Natural Remedies, 25(7), 1677–1681. https://doi.org/10.18311/jnr/2025/49172
Dubey, A., Ghosh, N. S.., & Singh, R.S., (2023). An in-depth and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Linn seed. Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 27 (10),45-66. https://doi.org/10.25303/2710rjce046066
Dubey, A., Ghosh, N. S.., & Singh, R.S., (2023). Effects of aqueous and ethanolic seed extract of Asparagus racemosus Linn on neurobehavioral pattern of acrylamide induced experimental Zebra fish. Research Journal of Biotechnology.18(11),81-88. https://doi.org/10.25303/1811rjbt081088.
Dubey, A., Ghosh, N. S.., & Singh, R.S., (2023). Role of Aqueous and Ethanolic Seed Extract of Asparagus racemosus on Acr- Induced Neurotoxicity in Adult Zebrafish: Emergence of Neuroprotective Results. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, 27(6), 285-296.DOI: 10.21608/EJABF.2023.329192
Dubey, A., Kumari M., Pandey M., (2024). Homeopathic Medicinal Products and Importance in Diabetes International Journal of Homeopathy & Natural Medicines. 10(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijhnm.20241001.12
Dubey, A., Kumari M., Sahu, V. K., Mishra, A Dash, S. L., &. (2024). Zebrafish as a fascinating animal model: a robust platform for in vivo screening for biomedical researches. International Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 12(1), 173–187. https://doi.org/10.25303/1201ijasvm034039
Dubey, A., Samanthula, K. S., Dash, S. S., Sethy, A. A., & Kumari, M. (2025). Role of Carica papaya in Thrombocytopenia. Journal of` Natural Remedies, 25(4), 757–770. https://doi.org/10.18311/jnr/2025/45754.
Dwivedi S., Chandekar A., Tripathi A., Mishra R., Chhajed M., Sharma P.K., Dubey A., (2024). In-Vivo Anti-diabetic activity of Leonotis nepetaefolia (L.) R.Br. Root in Alloxan induced Diabetic Model. Naturalista Campano. 28(1), 2190–93 https://museonaturalistico.it
Ferreres, F., et al. (2008). New phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential of Catharanthus roseus. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56(21), 9967–9977. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf8022723
Garbe, C., et al. (2020). European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma, Part I: Diagnostics – Update 2019. European Journal of Cancer, 126, 141–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2019.11.018
Ghosh, N. S.., Dubey, A.., & Kumari, M. (2025). New information on the etiology and biological targets of wounds associated with diabetes. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Research, 13(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.69857/joapr.v13i1.812
Gupta, J. K., Singh, K., Bhatt, A., Porwal, P., Rani, R., Dubey, A., Jain, D., & Rai, S. N. (2024). Recent advances in the synthesis of antidepressant derivatives: pharmacologic insights for mood disorders. 3 Biotech, 14(11), 260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-024-04104-5.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2022). Skin cancer fact sheet. World Health Organization. https://www.iarc.who.int/cancer-type/skin-cancer/
Jordan, M. A., et al. (1991). Mechanism of interaction of vinca alkaloids with tubulin. Biochemistry, 30(44), 10639–10645. https://doi.org/10.1021/bi00108a006
Karna, E., et al. (2013). Apoptosis and antioxidant activities of Catharanthus roseus [L.] G. Don extract on breast cancer cells. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 70(2), 257–262.
Kaur, R., et al. (2021). Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don: A review of its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and toxicities. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 272, 113920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.113920
Kumari M, Dubey A, Sahu VK, Yamoah J, Nyarko RO, Nyarko, RO, Asante F. (2025). the educational impact of childhood depression and the need of early identification. The Bioscan, 20(3), 240–252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.63001/tbs.2025.v20.i03.pp240-252.
Kumari, M., Dubey, A., Agarwal, S., Kushwaha, S., & Sachan, A. K. (2023). Recent Technology and Software for GDP in the Pharmaceutical Industry. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nanotechnology (IJPSN), 16(5), 7004–7007. https://doi.org/10.37285/ijpsn.2023.16.5.9
Lobert, S., et al. (1996). Interaction of vinca alkaloids with tubulin: Multiple binding sites and drug-induced protein assembly. Biochemistry, 35(20), 6806–6814. https://doi.org/10.1021/bi953037i
Manni Rohilla, Diksha Soni, Sakshi, Soumadeep, Yuvraj, Saurabh, Ramanjot Kaur, Swikriti, Shilpi Arora, Anubhav Dubey, (2025) Banana Peel: A Nutritional Powerhouse with Many Uses, Journal of Carcinogenesis, Vol.24, No.3s, 55-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.3s.55-61
Marzuka, A. G., & Book, S. E. (2015). Basal cell carcinoma: Pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, histopathology, and management. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 88(2), 167–179.
Miettinen, K., et al. (2019). Completion of the canonical pathway for assembly of anticancer drugs vincristine and vinblastine in Catharanthus roseus. Nature Communications, 10, 1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09031-z
Mishra R, Dwivedi M, Dubey A, Nyarko RO, Kumari M, Tripathi AK, Srivastava A, Statistical Forecasting of Drug-Drug Interactions Using Medicines' Physiological Similarity, Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 2025; 13(1):217-230, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22270/ajprd.v13i1.1529
Mukherjee, P. K., et al. (2022). Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don: A review of its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and toxicities. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 272, 113920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.113920
Narayanan, D. L., et al. (2010). Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer. International Journal of Dermatology, 49(9), 978–986. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4362.2010.01468.x
Obbalareddy, S., Shahi, S., & Dubey, A. (2025). Implementing artificial intelligence in drug research development. Bulletin of stomatology and maxillofacial surgery, 361–384. https://doi.org/10.58240/1829006X-2025.21.6-361
Pandey, A. K., et al. (2022). Exploring the therapeutic potential of Catharanthus roseus in cancer management. International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research, 14(3), 12–20.
Ramani, S., et al. (2008). Enhanced catharanthine and vindoline production in suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus by ultraviolet-B light. Journal of Molecular Signaling, 3, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1750-2187-3-9
S. Shahi, S.K. Singh, A. Dubey. Dopamine-boosting foods: A double-edged sword in heart attack risk through emotional modulation. Journal of Medicinal and Nanomaterials Chemistry, 2025, 7(4), 384-407. DOI: 10.48309/JMNC.2025.537683.1116
Sanyogita Shahi, Anubhav Dubey, Pushpesh Kumar Mishra, Girish Gupta, Sorabh Sehajpal, Toyaj Shukla, Tusar Ranjan Pati, Jyotisri Jibanendu Mohapatra, Kumara Swamy Samanthula, (2025) Natural Products as a Carcinogens, Journal of Carcinogenesis, Vol.24, No.3s, 120-130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.24.3s.120-130
Singh LK., Shukla D., Hashmi S., Tiwari M., Dubey A., Kumari M., Sahu V., Prajapati NK. Diabetic wound mechanisms: pathogenesis, molecular targets Cuest.fisioter. 2025.54(2):2522-254 https://doi.org/10.48047/nf26pn19.
Singh, K., Gupta, J. K., Shrivastava, A., Jain, D., Yadav, A. P., Dwivedi, S., Dubey, A., & Kumar, S. (2024). Exploring the Pharmacological Effects of Bioactive Peptides on Human Nervous Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. CNS & neurological disorders drug targets, 10.2174/0118715273316382240807120241. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715273316382240807120241.
Singh, K., Jain, D., Sethi, P., Gupta, J. K., Dubey, A., Al Noman, A., Lal, S., Sharma, P. D., & Abdallah, E. M. (2025). Advances in viral vector-based delivery systems for gene therapy: a comprehensive review. 3 Biotech, 15(7), 196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-025-04366-7
Srikanth, V., et al. (2016). Catharanthus roseus: The cancer-fighting medicine. Ancient Science of Life, 35(3), 120–127. https://doi.org/10.4103/0257-7941.188169
Srivastava, G., kumar, R., Jaha, S., Dubey, A., et al., A Review of Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii): A Multifunctional Medicinal Plant with Diverse Potentials. (2025). International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 1368-1380. https://doi.org/10.64252/j2060168
Surh, Y. J. (2003). Cancer chemoprevention with dietary phytochemicals. Nature Reviews Cancer, 3(10), 768–780. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc1189
Szabó, L. F., et al. (2019). Alkaloids of pharmacological importance in Catharanthus roseus. In Medicinal Plants: From Farm to Pharmacy (pp. 257–278). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_12
Thalluri, C., Vasam, M., Jampala, R., Alagarsamy, S., Dubey, A., Lather, A., & Hooda, T. (2024). Formulation, Development, and Optimization of Fast Dissolving Tablets Containing Tapentadol Hydrochloride. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology, 10.2174/0122117385350217241122151638. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.2174/0122117385350217241122151638
Umretiya, N., Bharose, A., Jasani, H. Dubey, A., et al. Dynamic analysis of the transcriptome offers molecular insights into flower development in Arachis hypogaea ssp. Virginia bunch. Nucleus (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13237-025-00563-0
Veneri, A., et al. (2024). Overview of skin cancer types and prevalence rates across continents. Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy, 3(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpt.2024.08.002
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO model list of essential medicines (22nd ed.). WHO.
Zakaria, M. N., et al. (2019). Catharanthus roseus aqueous extract induces apoptosis, caspase 3/7 activation and gene expression changes in cancer cells. Malaysian Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 15(SP4), 1–8.
Zhang, Y. M., et al. (2022). Pharmacological potential of bioactive compounds in Catharanthus roseus. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 888696. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.888696
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Stallion Journal for Multidisciplinary Associated Research Studies
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
10.55544/sjmars
editor@sjmars.com | 
+91-8874396939
