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@article{202168,
        author = {Anuja N. Firke and Ishawari  V. Bhegade and Shrusti R. Marathe and Vilasini R. Pandav},
        title = {Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical studies of Nothapodytes nimmoniana},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {8060-8067},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=202168},
        abstract = {Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) Mabb., commonly known as the Amruta Tree or Stinking Tree, is a medicinally significant small-to-medium-sized tree native to the Western Ghats of India and classified under the family Icacinaceae. It is recognized as one of the richest natural plant sources of camptothecin (CPT), a pentacyclic monoterpene indole alkaloid with potent anticancer properties. This review synthesizes findings from five peer-reviewed research publications to present a comprehensive evaluation of the plant's phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, distribution of bioactive compounds, biotechnological production strategies, and conservation status.
Studies reviewed herein confirm that CPT is unevenly distributed across plant tissues, with roots and shoots demonstrating the highest concentrations (up to 1.87 mg/g dry weight). Endophytic fungi isolated from N. nimmoniana, particularly Alternaria alstroemeriae and Alternaria burnsii, have shown extraordinary potential for sustainable CPT production without harvesting the endangered plant. The principal mechanism of CPT involves selective inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I, inducing irreversible DNA strand breaks in cancer cells. Multiple pharmacological activities beyond anti-cancer effects — including anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-malarial, anti-helminthic, and anti-inflammatory properties — have also been documented. The overexploitation of this plant has led to a minimum 20% population decline, necessitating urgent conservation and sustainable production strategies. Future research directions include genomic exploration, metabolic engineering, and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.},
        keywords = {Nothapodytes nimmoniana, Camptothecin, Topoisomerase I Inhibitor, Endophytes, Western Ghats, Anticancer Alkaloid, Phytochemistry, Conservation},
        month = {May},
        }