Page 75 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)
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The most important are the dimeric alkaloids (of the indole-indoline group):
Vinblastine (Vincaleukoblastine).
Vincristine (Leucocristine) which are now widely used.
Vindoline and catharanthine (precursors of vinblastine).
Action and Uses:
A number of pharmacologic activities have been ascribed to the periwinkle plant.
• Vinblastine is used for the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s
lymphomas. Vincristine is used principally in the treatment of acute lymphocytic
leukaemia in children.
• The semi-synthetic vindesine is also used in the treatment of acute lymphoid leukaemia in
children. Vincristine has a superior antitumour activity compared to vinblastine, but is more
neurotoxic. Vinorelbine is a newer, orally active, semi-synthetic anhydro derivative of 8′-
norvinblastine with a broader anticancer activity and lower neurotoxic side-effects than
the other Catharanthus alkaloids.
Preparations:
Vinblastine Sulphate i.v. injection E. P. 1984.
Vincristine Sulphate i.v. injection E. P. 1984.
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