The enzyme, characterized from the plant Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle), participates in a pathway that leads to the production of a number of monoterpene alkaloids, as well as the bisindole alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine, which are used as anticancer drugs. The enzyme is similar to berberine bridge enzymes such as EC 1.21.3.3, reticuline oxidase, and requires an FAD cofactor.