Phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Nothapodytes nimmoniana. An overview

NAZEERULLAH KHAN, ENNUS TAJUDDIN TAMBOLI, V.K. SHARMA, SUNIL KUMAR

Abstract

Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) (Icacinaceae), commonly known as Amruta is found in India particularly in Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir as well as Tamilnadu areas. It is an important medicinal plant, the major source of a potent alkaloid, namely camptothecin, of a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-HIV, antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and also applied in the treatment of anaemia. Camptothecin is still not synthesized, therefore, its production entirely depends on natural sources. N. nimmoniana is one such plant which yields contain camptothecin in significantly high amount. The plant is gaining international recognition due to its diversified medicinal uses. It is subjected to excessive harvest. It has been categorized as a vulnerable and endangered plant. The present review encompasses the phytochemical, analytical, pharmacological, biotechnological, and other specific aspects of N. nimmoniana.
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