In the US $5.15 billion world anti-cancer market, where 75 per cent of the contribution comes from the US alone, India's share of the market is a mere 100 crore, with a 12-13 per cent annual growth.

But one of the main manufacturers of anti-cancer plant alkaloids in India is Southern Herbals, which is also among the largest producers in the world. These alkaloids are Vincristine (VCR) and Vinblastine (VLB), found in catharanthus roseus or the Madagascar periwinkle