Alkaloid Profiling in Parental and Hybrid Generations of Catharanthus roseus: New Metabolite Accumulation

Background and Objective: Catharanthus roseus is a valuable medicinal plant known for its alkaloid compounds with therapeutic properties. This study investigates the variability of alkaloidal compounds in the roots of Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle) and their hybrids at different growth stages. Alkaloids are of significant interest due to their pharmaceutical properties, and understanding their variation across generations can inform breeding strategies. Materials and Methods: Alkaloid concentrations were analyzed in the roots of parental plants at the flowering stage, F1 hybrids at the flowering stage, and F2 hybrids at the fruiting stage. Alkaloid profiling was conducted using appropriate biochemical methods to quantify and compare alkaloid levels across the different generations. Results: The analysis revealed significant variability in the alkaloid profiles among the different generations. Isovindolinine and vindolinine were prominent in the parental plants, but were absent in F1 hybrids and re-emerged in F2 hybrids, with isovindolinine at 38.28% and vindolinine at 35.70%. Alkaloids like vincoline and tetrahydroalstonine were either absent or present in trace amounts in the hybrids, indicating complex genetic regulation. Ajmaline, which was abundant in the parental plants (53.57%), decreased in F1 hybrids and showed a slight recovery in F2 hybrids. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant influence of genetic inheritance on alkaloid production in Catharanthus roseus and its hybrids. The findings underscore the potential of hybridization in increasing alkaloid variability, which could be valuable for optimizing alkaloid production for pharmaceutical applications. This research provides insights that could support breeding programs aimed at enhancing alkaloid yield in periwinkle.