ANTI-TUMOUR DRUGS PRODUCED BY TISSUE CULTURE : A SHORT REVIEW

Plants are the source of several important drugs including anti-tumour agents. The chemical compounds shown to possess the anti-tumour properties are from diverse chemical groups (terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and others). On the basis of mode of their action they are grouped as alkylating agents, antimetabolites, spindle fibre toxins and DNA intercalating substances. Plant tissue culture has been used an alternative to produce, and for the understanding of biosynthesis and regulation of these drugs. Anti-tumour metabolites production in Catharanthus roseus, Cocculus pendulus, C. hirsutus and Ochrosia ellipitica has been investigated in cultures and high alkaloid producing cell lines have been established. The pertinent information on production of antineoplastic agents through tissue culture are discussed.