RP-HPLC analysis for camptothecin content in Nothapodytes nimmoniana, an endangered medicinal plant

Studies were carried out on analysis of secondary metabolites by RP-HPLC from different parts (both in- vitro and -vivo) of Nothpodytes nimmoniana, an endangered medicinal plant. HPLC analysis showed the presence of camptothecin, a medicinally important alkaloid from N. nimmoniana. The plant parts used for the analysis include leaves, seeds, seed coat and leaf derived callus. Among all the plant parts used, seeds recorded maximum (0.040%) camptothecin content followed by dried leaf samples. Seed coat recorded least camptothecin content. The study indicated that almost all parts of the plant contain camptothecin.   Key words: Nothapodytes nimmoniana, Icacinaceae, HPLC, secondary metabolite, alkaloid, quinoline, camptothecin.