Abstract
Camptothecin is an anticancer quinoline alkaloid effective against colon cancer. It acts by inhibition of the enzyme DNA topoisomerase I. A comparative study of camptothecin from the indigenous plants namely Nothapodytes foetida, Ophiorrhiza mungos and Ophiorrhiza rugosa indicated highest yields of camptothecin and 9-methoxy camptothecin in N. foetida. The other two plants O. mungos and O. rugosa contained low levels of alkaloids.
Acknowledgements
I thank Dr. Padikkala Jose (Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala) for supplying the plant material of Ophiorrhiza mungos and Ophiorrhiza rugosa. I am grateful to Dr. Susan Eapen, Head, Plant Biotechnology and Secondary Products Section and Dr. S.F. D'souza, Head, Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division for their kind cooperation.