Camptothecin

Camptothecin is an alkaloid extracted from Nothapodytes nimmoniana, an endangered plant species in India. It is also extracted from the Camptotheca acuminate, a tree species found in China. To produce just 1 tonne of camptothecin, nearly 1,000 tonnes of plant material has to be processed. This compound is in high demand for its anti-cancer property and is used to manufacture anti-cancer drugs like topotecan and itinotecan. Recently, IIT Madras scientists developed a microbial fermentation process to manufacture this compound in an economical manner.