Camptothecin
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Camptothecin

Camptothecin (CPT) 98%—Trusted Manufacturer for Oncology APIs & Advanced Bioactive Extracts

  1. English Name: Camptothecin
  1. Specification
    • Purity: Camptothecin ≥ 98% (HPLC); High – purity grade: ≥ 99% (HPLC)
    • Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water (approx. 0.1 mg/mL at 25°C), soluble in DMSO, NMP (N – Methyl – 2 – pyrrolidone) and alkaline solutions. Water – soluble derivatives (e.g., sodium salt) have improved solubility.
    • Melting Point: 260 – 264°C (decomposes)
    • Residual Solvents: DMSO ≤ 0.5%, NMP ≤ 0.5%
    • Heavy Metals: ≤ 10 ppm
    • Particle Size: Standard powder ≤ 100 μm; micronized powder ≤ 5 μm for enhanced bioavailability in formulations
  1. Appearance
    • Pale yellow to yellowish – green crystalline powder, odorless
  1. CAS NO.：7689 – 03 – 4
  1. Lead time: 7 – 10 Working Days
  1. Package
    • 100 mg/vial (sterile glass vial), 1 g/aluminum foil – lined bag; stored under nitrogen to prevent oxidation
  1. Main Market: Global pharmaceutical and research markets, with significant demand in North America, Europe, and Asia, especially in oncology research and drug development
  1. Application Scenarios

Core Properties

  • Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₁₆N₂O₄
  • Chemical Structure: A pentacyclic quinoline alkaloid, featuring a unique camptothecin ring system with a lactone moiety, which is crucial for its biological activity.
  • Key Features
    • Topoisomerase Inhibitor: Specifically targets DNA topoisomerase I, preventing the religation of DNA strands during replication, leading to DNA damage and cell death in rapidly dividing cells.
    • Antitumor Activity: Potent cytotoxic effects against a wide range of cancer cell lines, including colorectal, lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers.
    • pH – Dependent Stability: The lactone ring is stable in acidic conditions (pH < 4.5) but undergoes hydrolysis to the carboxylate form in neutral and basic environments, reducing its biological activity.
    • High Potency: Low therapeutic doses are required due to its strong inhibitory effect on DNA replication, but this also necessitates careful handling to manage potential toxicity.

Application Scenarios

1. Oncology Research

  • Pre – clinical Studies:
    • Widely used in in – vitro cell culture experiments and in – vivo animal models to study the mechanism of action of topoisomerase I inhibitors, screen for new anticancer drugs, and evaluate the efficacy of combination therapies.
  • Drug Development:
    • Serves as a lead compound for the development of second – generation and third – generation camptothecin – based drugs. Many clinically used anticancer drugs, such as irinotecan and topotecan, are synthetic derivatives of camptothecin with improved solubility, stability, and reduced toxicity.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Anticancer Drug Synthesis:
    • As an intermediate in the production of camptothecin – derived drugs. Chemical modifications are made to the camptothecin structure to enhance its pharmacological properties, such as increasing water solubility, stabilizing the lactone ring, and improving targeting ability.
  • Quality Control:
    • Used as a reference standard for the analysis and quality control of camptothecin – based drugs, ensuring the consistency and purity of pharmaceutical products.

3. Biomedical Research

  • DNA Replication and Repair Studies:
    • Helps researchers understand the processes of DNA replication, repair, and the role of topoisomerases in maintaining genomic stability. By inhibiting topoisomerase I, scientists can study the cellular responses to DNA damage and the activation of various repair pathways.
  • Drug Resistance Research:
    • Investigated to understand the mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer cells towards camptothecin and its derivatives. This knowledge can guide the development of strategies to overcome resistance and improve treatment outcomes.

Detection Methods

  • High – Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC):
    • Column: C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), Mobile Phase: Acetonitrile – 0.1% formic acid (gradient elution), Flow Rate: 1.0 mL/min, Detection Wavelength: 254 nm for quantification.
  • Ultra – Performance Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (UPLC – MS):
    • Used for the identification and quantification of camptothecin and its metabolites in biological samples. It provides high – sensitivity and high – resolution analysis, crucial for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.
  • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR):
    • Helps in confirming the chemical structure of camptothecin by analyzing the characteristic absorption peaks of its functional groups, ensuring the integrity of the compound during production and storage.

Source & Advantages

  • Natural Source: Originally isolated from the bark and wood of the Chinese tree Camptotheca acuminata. However, due to the low content of camptothecin in the plant (0.01 – 0.03%) and environmental concerns, semi – synthesis and total synthesis methods are now commonly used.
  • Therapeutic Potential: Its unique mechanism of action makes it a valuable starting point for the development of highly effective anticancer drugs, contributing significantly to the field of oncology.
  • Research Utility: A crucial tool in biomedical research, enabling a deeper understanding of fundamental biological processes related to DNA metabolism and cancer biology.

Regulatory Compliance

  • US FDA: Regulated as an investigational new drug (IND) for research purposes and as a pharmaceutical ingredient for approved camptothecin – based drugs. Stringent regulations govern its use in clinical trials and commercial production to ensure patient safety.
  • EU Regulation: Subject to strict regulations under the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Clinical trials involving camptothecin and its derivatives must comply with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and marketing authorization is required for commercial use.
  • China NMPA: Monitored closely in China, especially for drugs derived from camptothecin. The extraction, synthesis, and clinical application of camptothecin – related products need to meet national pharmaceutical standards and regulatory requirements.
Categories: ,

Camptothecin – High-Purity Bioactive Extract for Pharmaceutical R&D and Advanced Formulations

Camptothecin (CPT) is a naturally occurring alkaloid originally isolated from Camptotheca acuminata. Today, it remains a critical precursor for the synthesis of topoisomerase-I inhibitor drugs such as irinotecan and topotecan, widely researched in oncology and cellular biology.
At AIHerba® (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.), we manufacture high-purity camptothecin under GMP-aligned standards, serving pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, nutraceutical developers, and biotechnology innovators.

1. Product Overview

  • Product Name: Camptothecin

  • CAS Number: 7689-03-4

  • Botanical Source: Camptotheca acuminata (Happy Tree)

  • Specification: 95% / 98% HPLC

  • Appearance: Yellow crystalline powder

  • Origin: China

  • Supply Form: Bulk powder for industrial, pharmaceutical & research use

  • MOQ: 1–5 kg (bulk orders negotiable)

Our factory operates with 28+ years of extraction experience, using supercritical CO₂ extraction, precision purification, and low-temperature crystallization to protect the molecule’s stability.

2. Key Benefits & Functional Properties

Expert Review – Dr. L. Meng, PhD, Natural Products Chemistry (quoted with permission)
“Camptothecin’s unique lactone ring makes it one of the most studied plant-derived compounds in cancer biology. High purity is essential for consistent activity, and only GMP-controlled extraction can achieve pharmaceutical-grade reliability.”

Core Properties

  1. Topoisomerase-I Inhibition
    Widely used as a reference compound in oncology research (NIH, PubMed: PMID 2684270).

  2. Supports Drug Development Pipelines
    Essential precursor for semi-synthetic clinical drugs including irinotecan (CPT-11) and topotecan.

  3. Cellular Stress Response Studies
    Extensively used in apoptosis, DNA repair, and cell-cycle disruption research (NIH, PMID 2153155).

  4. High Purity = Stability
    Residual solvent control and crystalline structure guarantee better assay performance.

3. Health-Related Research Insights

While Camptothecin is not a dietary supplement, it is one of the most influential natural products in anti-tumor drug discovery.
Research suggests potential roles in:

  • DNA replication interference

  • Anti-proliferative activity

  • In vitro anti-tumor mechanism modeling

  • Precision oncology tool compound applications

(References linked below.)

4. Traditional Botanical Background

Camptotheca acuminata has been referenced in traditional Chinese medicine literature as far back as the 17th century, used historically for “heat-clearing” and detoxifying functions—long before scientists isolated camptothecin in 1966.

5. Recommended Usage (For Industrial & Research Applications Only)

  • Pharmaceutical R&D: 95–98% HPLC

  • Reference Standard: 98%

  • Formulation Input: For precursor synthesis only

  • Cosmetic R&D: Typically micro-dosed in high-tech anti-aging prototypes (not consumer-facing due to regulations)

Not intended for direct consumption.

6. Best Formulation Guidelines

  • Solubility: Poor water solubility; dissolve in DMSO, ethanol, or formulated carriers

  • Stability: Protect lactone ring—avoid high pH

  • Compatibility: Sensitive to oxidation

  • Ideal Use: Oncology model systems, biosimilar pathway research, early-stage drug formulation

7. COA-Style Quality Specification Table

A. General Specifications

Item Specification Method
Appearance Yellow crystalline powder Visual
Assay (HPLC) ≥ 98.0% HPLC
Moisture ≤ 2.0% Karl Fischer
Ash ≤ 0.5% USP <281>

B. Pesticide Residues

Pesticide Name Limit (mg/kg) Test Method
Organochlorines (DDT, BHC) ≤ 0.1 GC-MS
Organophosphates ≤ 0.2 GC-MS
Carbamates ≤ 0.5 LC-MS/MS
Pyrethroids ≤ 0.5 GC-MS

C. Heavy Metals

Item Limit Test Method
Lead (Pb) ≤ 2 ppm ICP-MS
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1 ppm ICP-MS
Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 1 ppm ICP-MS
Mercury (Hg) ≤ 0.1 ppm ICP-MS
Total Heavy Metals ≤ 10 ppm USP <231>

D. Microbiological Tests

Item Limit Method
Total Plate Count ≤ 1,000 CFU/g USP <2021>
Yeast & Mold ≤ 100 CFU/g USP <2021>
E. coli Negative USP <2022>
Salmonella Negative USP <2022>
Staphylococcus aureus Negative USP <2022>

8. Manufacturing Process (Summary)

Step-by-Step Flow

  1. Raw Material Harvesting – Sustainably cultivated Camptotheca acuminata

  2. Drying & Milling – Low-temperature handling to preserve alkaloids

  3. Solvent Extraction (Ethanol/water or SC-CO₂)

  4. Concentration & Filtration

  5. Purification (Resin column → crystallization)

  6. HPLC Standardization

  7. Drying & Micronization

  8. Final QC Testing

  9. Packaging in GMP Workshops

This process ensures traceability, high purity, and lot-to-lot consistency — essential for pharmaceutical buyers.

9. Storage & Shelf Life

  • Storage: Store at 2–8°C, sealed, protected from light and humidity

  • Shelf Life: 24–36 months unopened

  • Packaging:

    • 1 kg aluminum foil bag

    • 25 kg drum

    • Customized packaging available

10. Sample Policy, MOQ & Logistics

  • Free sample herbal extract: 10–20 g for QC testing

  • MOQ: 1 kg (research), 5–25 kg (bulk manufacturing)

  • Lead Time: 3–5 days for stock items

  • Logistics: International express, air freight, and temperature-controlled shipping available

  • Trade Terms: EXW, FOB, CIF

11. Applicable Industries & Use Cases

Camptothecin is typically used in:

Pharmaceutical R&D

  • Oncology drug precursor

  • Reference standard

  • Topoisomerase inhibitor studies

Biotechnology & Laboratory Research

  • Cell-death pathway modeling

  • Antitumor screening

  • DNA repair studies

Cosmetic R&D

  • Advanced anti-aging experimental formulas
    (Only for GMP certified plant extract for cosmetics research groups.)

Functional Food Developers

Not for ingestion, but relevant for dietary supplement raw material manufacturer R&D departments.

12. Why Choose AIHerba® as Your Camptothecin Supplier

  1. GMP-certified manufacturer with 28+ years experience

  2. Factory-direct price and traceable raw material base

  3. Bulk supply with consistent purity and stable batches

  4. Strict QC + third-party testing upon request

  5. Custom extraction services for customized herbal extract projects

  6. Global shipping with regulatory support

We serve hundreds of clients across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, and academic research.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is your Camptothecin suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Yes. Our 98% grade is produced in GMP facilities and suitable for precursor synthesis.

Q2. Do you offer technical documents?
COA, HPLC chromatograms, MSDS, and process documentation can be provided.

Q3. Can I buy small research quantities?
Yes. MOQ begins at 1 kg with free samples available.

Q4. Can you support custom purity levels?
We can adjust specs for OEM/ODM partners and research institutions.

Q5. Do you provide wholesale pricing?
Yes. Wholesale and bulk price tiers are available depending on quantity.

14. Scientific References

(PubMed / NIH / FDA official sources)

  1. Wall ME et al. Science, 1966 — Discovery of camptothecin. (PubMed: 5916656)

  2. Hsiang YH et al. Topoisomerase-I inhibition mechanism. (PubMed: 2684270)

  3. Pommier Y. DNA repair pathways in CPT action. (PubMed: 2153155)

  4. FDA Orange Book – Camptothecin derivatives regulatory data.

Contact & Ordering

AIHerba® | Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
📧 sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
🌐 www.aiherba.com
GMP-certified supplier, manufacturer, and factory of high-purity plant extracts.

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