NOTHAPODYTES NIMMONIANA: A REVIEW OF THE THREATENED NATURAL SOURCE OF THE ANTICANCER COMPOUND CAMPTOTHECIN

About Author

Correspondence Address

Dr PALLAVI KODLE
PT khushilal sharma govt ayurved college bhopal mp
Contact No. : 6261678489, Email : ppallavikodle@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 29 Mar 2025

Date of Publication : 30 Mar 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_129

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3107

Abstract

The Indian native plant Nothapodytes nimmoniana demonstrates nature's remarkable capacity to produce large amounts of camptothecin (CPT), a potent compound that is helpful in the treatment of cancer. Modern cancer treatments rely heavily on CPT and its derivatives, such as topotecan and irinotecan. The FDA and national health agencies throughout the world have approved CPT and its variants for the treatment of various cancers. This plant has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and antimalarial properties in addition to its ability to combat cancer. This demonstrates its wide range of possible medical applications. But there is a chance that this priceless plant will go extinct. The primary cause of overharvesting is the increased demand for CPT, which is difficult to produce in a lab. Because CPT is difficult and costly to generate artificially because of its complicated form, we must obtain it from the plant, which puts further strain on harvesting. Numerous compounds have been discovered in N. nimmoniana via studies:

CPT, or camptothecin: This essential material is present in the roots, bark, wood, and leaves. It has been demonstrated that this substance inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, such as those seen in cervical cancer (HeLa), Dalton's Asiatic lymphoma, and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). Other substances: The plant's therapeutic qualities are also influenced by a wide range of other substances, including tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins, lipids, phenolic compounds, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and coumarins. It's crucial to keep in mind that although CPT and similar medications are incredibly beneficial, they can also have negative side effects.

Strong conservation measures and sustainable harvesting methods are necessary for N. nimmoniana, a significant medicinal resource that is in danger of going extinct, to remain available for use in medicine in the future.

KEY WORDS:-  Nothapodytes nimmoniana, camptothecin, anticancer, medicinal plants.

Introduction

The WHO estimates that there will be 9.7 million cancer-related deaths and 20 million new cases in 2022. It was projected that 53.5 million people survived five years after receiving a cancer diagnosis. One in five people will get cancer at some point in their lives; roughly one in nine men and one in twelve women will pass away from the illness. The estimated 20 million new cases of cancer in 2022 are expected to rise by 77% to over 35 million cases in 2050^[1].

A vast diversity of chemical compounds with therapeutic potential that can alter biological processes to aid in healing are produced by plants, which operate as a rich store of bioactive molecules. Herbal medicine is a rich source of empirical knowledge about the uses of medicinal plants and is ingrained in cultural traditions all around the world. These treatments reflect the many pharmacological activities of chemicals produced from plants and are widely applicable to a range of health issues, from acute diseases to chronic conditions. Herbal therapy frequently complements or replaces contemporary healthcare, giving patients more options for managing their overall health. With many modern medications derived from or modeled after plant-based chemicals, natural sources continue to drive pharmaceutical innovation, underscoring their continued significance in drug development. Herbal medicines may serve as a primary or crucial healthcare resource in areas with limited access to conventional medical services. The most promising anticancer medications of the twenty-first century, camptothecin (CPT) and 9-methoxy camptothecin, are cytotoxic quinolone alkaloids that are abundant in N. nimmoniana^[2].

Native to India, N. nimmoniana is a plant that demonstrates nature's remarkable capacity to produce large amounts of camptothecin (CPT), a potent compound that is helpful in the treatment of cancer. The FDA and national health organizations around the world have licensed CPT and its derivatives, such as topotecan and irinotecan, for the treatment of various cancers. These drugs are crucial to contemporary cancer therapy. This plant has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and antimalarial properties in addition to its ability to combat cancer. This demonstrates its wide range of possible medical applications. But there is a chance that this priceless plant will go extinct. The primary cause of its overharvesting is the huge demand for CPT and the difficulty of producing it in a lab. Because CPT is difficult and costly to generate artificially because of its complicated form, we must obtain it from the plant, which puts further strain on harvesting.

The stinking tree, or Nothapodytes nimmoniana, is a unique plant species in India that is both critically endangered and essential for medicine. An effective source of the anticancer alkaloid camptothecin (CPT) is N. nimmoniana. For the treatment of various malignancies, CPT and its derivatives (such as topotecan and irinotecan) have received approval.

Discussion

One important source of camptothecin, a promising anticancer drug, is N. nimmoniana. For this medicinal plant to be used sustainably and for camptothecin-based cancer treatments to be developed, more research in phytochemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and conservation is essential.

Conclusion

The review identifies a number of crucial requirements. Using best practices for natural harvesting, investigating alternate cultivation techniques, and setting up banks are all examples of sustainable harvesting and cultivation strategies. protecting N. nimmoniana in its natural habitat by utilizing additional conservation technologies. Increasing the production of CPT by biotechnology: Making use of metabolic engineering, bioreactor systems, and in vitro culture. Current studies: To look into the biosynthesis of CPT and create new medication options. We can guarantee the sustainable use of N. nimmoniana while preserving its biodiversity for upcoming generations by combining these tactics.

References

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