Plant anticancer agents X. Isolation of camptothecin and 9-methoxycamptothecin from Ervatamia heyneana

J Nat Prod. 1979 Sep-Oct;42(5):475-7. doi: 10.1021/np50005a006.

Abstract

The anticancer activity of the roots of Ervatamia heyneana (Apocynaceae) was found to be due principally to the known alkaloid, camptothecin (1). The closely related, but less active, 9-methoxycamptothecin (2) was also obtained. This is the first reported isolation of these biogenetically interesting alkaloids from the indole alkaloid rich Apocynaceae.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification*
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Camptothecin / isolation & purification*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Plants / analysis*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Camptothecin