New process for extraction of camptothecin from leaves of Camptotheca acuminata / 中草药

Object To develop a new process for the extraction of camptothecin from leaves of Camptotheca acuminata Decne Methods By uniform experimental design after proper choice of solvent Results The optimal conditions were extraction with 16 times of 0 3% NaOH for three hours each time Conclusion This is the first attempt to use dilute NaOH solution for the extraction of camptothecin from the previously seldom utilized leaves of C acuminata, which resulted in a yield well over 0 1% The process resulted in a lower production cost and require less fire protection measures as compaired with the conventional use of alcohol