Abstract:
Vinblastine sulfate extracted from leaves of Catharanthus roseus is widely used as an anti-cancer drug. Chemically vinblastine is one of the Vinca alkaloids that inhibit the polymerization of tubulin, resulting in the disappearance of the microtubular spindle, and as a consequence they cause the arrest of cell division in their metaphase. There is limited information in the literature on the metabolism of vinblastine. 4-Deacetylvinblastine has been reported to be a urinary metabolite of vinblastine in dog and in humans. Determination and detection of vinblastine sulfate and its metabolites, by different methods, in biological samples is reviewed from 1972 to 2009.
