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Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, which also known as “an anticancerous drug yielding plant” is a
tropical and subtropical plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae. The alkaloids like Vinblastine and
vincristine are mainly present in aerial parts of C. roseus, which are used in treatment of various human
cancers, so it is considered as mile stone in cancer chemotherapy.
This review highlights the recent development and achievements made for the micropropagation of
Catharanthus roseus in Kota region of South East rajasthan. Based on results of this study, maximum
shoot proliferation from nodal explant was observed on MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.5 mg/l) +
Kn (2.0 mg/l). For rooting, different concentrations of IBA were used and highest rooting (78%) was
observed on ¼ strength of MS medium fortified with IBA (5.0 mg/l). The rooted plantlets were transferred
to plastic bags containing a mixture of garden soil and vermiculite (1:1). The hardened plants were
successfully established in the soil.
Keywords: - Catharanthus roseus, nodal, anti-cancer, Vinblastine and vincristine.