vinblastine

[ vin-blas-teen ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 46 H 58 N 4 O 9 , derived from the periwinkle Vinca rosea, used in the treatment of various malignant conditions, especially in the management of lymphomas.

vinblastine

/ vɪnˈblæstiːn /

noun

1. a cytotoxic drug used in the treatment of lymphomas, derived as an alkaloid from the tropical shrub Madagascar periwinkle ( Vinca rosea )

Word History and Origins

Origin of vinblastine¹

1960–65; < New Latin Vin ( ca ) a periwinkle genus + (leuko)blast + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of vinblastine¹

C20: shortened from vincaleukoblastine, from vinca + leukoblast, from leukocyte + -blast + -ine ²

Example Sentences

The new research results prove that the engineered yeast cells can make other substances in the group of alkaloids than the substance vinblastine, for which the researchers presented results in 2022.

From Science Daily

But 2 of the 31 steps in the vinblastine synthetic pathway remained unknown.

From Nature

The Madagascar periwinkle has long been the main source of vinblastine, which is used as a chemotherapy for cancers including brain tumours.

From Nature

Both are made at the same time as the plant is producing other enzymes involved in vinblastine synthesis.

From Nature