Terpenoid indole alkaloid profile changes in Catharanthus pusillus during development

The terpenoid indole alkaloid content of Cathmanthus pusillus was investiga ted during development from young to old plants. Different plant organs wer e assessed showing that the new leaves were the main repository site with v indoline (approximate to 4.8 mg/g DW) and catharanthine (approximate to 2.2 mg/g DW) being the major metabolites with the highest yields at the second and third sampling time (51 and 70 days, respectively). The other samples analysed, from old, oldest and yellow leaves followed in accumulation level s. The roots and stems were the least accumulative organs, although for the case of tubotaiwine the root was the most important organ. It appeared tha t the alkaloid content changed coinciding with the different developmental stages of the plants, particularly at flowering and fruiting stages. Moreov er, this species seems to constitute a precious source of the monomerics, v indoline and catharanthine. intermediates in the synthesis of the two impor tant antitumor dimerics vincristine and vinblastine, which did not accumula te in this species. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reser ved.