Sustained harvest of camptothecin from the leaves of Camptotheca acuminata

J Nat Prod. 1997 Jun;60(6):618-9. doi: 10.1021/np9700228.

Abstract

Over a 12-week period, new growth was collected at different intervals from Camptotheca acuminata trees to determine whether a leaf harvest strategy would be an efficient means for the production of the alkaloid camptothecin. Because camptothecin accumulates in young leaves and because the harvesting of young tissue stimulates axillary bud outgrowth, this strategy increased the harvestable amount of camptothecin from trees in a nondestructive manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / biosynthesis*
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Camptothecin / isolation & purification
  • Camptothecin / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves / growth & development
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism*
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry
  • Plants, Medicinal / growth & development
  • Plants, Medicinal / metabolism*
  • Seasons

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Camptothecin