Synthesis of Anti-Tumor Dimeric Indole Alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus Was Promoted by Irradiation with Near-Ultraviolet Light at Low Temperature

Abstract

We have found that coupling between catharanthine and vindoline occurs non-enzymatically in the presence of flavin mononucleotide and manganese ions with near-ultraviolet light irradiation in vitro. The present study found that the concentrations of catharanthine and vindoline in Catharanthus roseus decreased and those of dimeric indole alkaloids increased under near-ultraviolet light at 4 °C. It indicates that this coupling reaction at 4 °C occurs non-enzymatically.