Description
Catharanthine is an alkaloid found in Catharanthus that is a chemical precursor in the synthesis of vinca alkaloids such as vinblastine and vincristine. Catharanthine displays weak anti-mitotic activity, binding tubulin poorly. Catharanthine exhibits anti-parasitic, vasodilatory, and antihypertensive activities. This compound shows antimalarial benefit against species of Plasmodium. In vivo, catharanthine inhibits voltage-gated Ca2+ channel currents, decreasing blood pressure and heart rate.