PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Nothapodytes nimmoniana is a medicinally important plant from the Icacinaceae family, primarily valued as a major source of the anticancer compound camptothecin [PMID:37516285, PMID:40628740].
Background
Nothapodytes nimmoniana is a small tree endemic to the Western Ghats of India [PMID:18402730, PMID:25709216]. It is considered a vulnerable or endangered species due to large-scale exploitation and overharvesting driven by the global demand for camptothecin [PMID:37516285, PMID:38896329, PMID:33446714].
Active compounds
The plant produces camptothecin (CPT), a monoterpene indole alkaloid [PMID:37163758, PMID:37600193]. Other identified compounds include 9-methoxycamptothecin (MCPT) [PMID:29130341] and vitamins D and E in methanolic leaf extracts [PMID:40971244].
Mechanism of action
Camptothecin and its derivative 9-methoxycamptothecin act as inhibitors of DNA topoisomerase I [PMID:31291885, PMID:29130341]. 9-methoxycamptothecin specifically demonstrates minor groove binding to calf thymus DNA [PMID:29130341].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CCancer (including ovarian, colorectal, and lung cancers)
Camptothecin is a potent anti-tumor drug with clinically proven properties against various human malignancies [PMID:34850279, PMID:32976723, PMID:26949094]
Evidence DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Virtual screening and molecular docking suggest that 4,4,5,8-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydrochromen-2-ol from N. nimmoniana may bind to TNF-α and hER-α, potentially aiding in PCOS management [PMID:40971244]
Evidence summary
The available evidence is primarily based on phytochemical, genomic, and in vitro studies focusing on the extraction and biosynthesis of camptothecin; there are no clinical trial data provided for the whole herb.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 37516285 (2023) — Chloroplast genome sequence of Nothapodytes nimmoniana (Icacinaceae), a vulnerable reservoir of camptothecin from Western Ghats. · Gene
- 2.PMID: 40628740 (2025) — Chromosome-level genome assembly of Nothapodytes nimmoniana. · Scientific data
- 3.PMID: 38896329 (2024) — Biotechnological approaches for the production of camptothecin. · Applied microbiology and biotechnology
- 4.PMID: 38351290 (2024) — Optimisation of enzyme-assisted extraction of camptothecin from Nothapodytes nimmoniana and its characterisation. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
- 5.PMID: 34850279 (2021) — Biotechnology of camptothecin production in Nothapodytes nimmoniana, Ophiorrhiza sp. and Camptotheca acuminata.