整合生物学期刊网

Plant Diversity ›› 2026, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (01): 1-15.DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2025.10.005

• Review •    下一篇

Conserving threatened plant species with widespread distribution: A case study of lethal utilization of anticancer Nothapodytes trees in Asia

Bishal Gurunga,b, Yan Zengc,d, Jia Tange, Xing-Rong Pengf, Yu-Lin Xua, Feng-Mao Yanga,b, Xiang-Hai Caif, Jia Gea, Gao Chena,e,f   

  1. a Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China;
    b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
    c Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
    d Endangered Species Scientific Commission, Beijing 100101, China;
    e Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plant Biodiversity and Biogeography, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China;
    f State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
  • 收稿日期:2025-07-16 修回日期:2025-10-29 出版日期:2026-01-25 发布日期:2026-03-05
  • 通讯作者: Bishal Gurung,E-mail:bishal@mail.kib.ac.cn;Yan Zeng,E-mail:zengy@ioz.ac.cn;Jia Tang,E-mail:tangjia@mail.kib.ac.cn;Xing-Rong Peng,E-mail:pengxingrong@mail.kib.ac.cn;Yu-Lin Xu,E-mail:xuyulin@mail.kib.ac.cn;Feng-Mao Yang,E-mail:yangfengmao@mail.kib.ac.cn;Xiang-Hai Cai,E-mail:xhcai@mail.kib.ac.cn;Jia Ge,E-mail:gejia@mail.kib.ac.cn;Gao Chen,E-mail:chen_gao@mail.kib.ac.cn
  • 基金资助:
    This work was equally supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2024YFF1306700), the Key Project of Basic Research of Yunnan Province, China (202301AS070001), and the Regional Innovative Development Joint Fund of NSFC (U23A20149).

Conserving threatened plant species with widespread distribution: A case study of lethal utilization of anticancer Nothapodytes trees in Asia

Bishal Gurunga,b, Yan Zengc,d, Jia Tange, Xing-Rong Pengf, Yu-Lin Xua, Feng-Mao Yanga,b, Xiang-Hai Caif, Jia Gea, Gao Chena,e,f   

  1. a Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China;
    b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
    c Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
    d Endangered Species Scientific Commission, Beijing 100101, China;
    e Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plant Biodiversity and Biogeography, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China;
    f State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
  • Received:2025-07-16 Revised:2025-10-29 Online:2026-01-25 Published:2026-03-05
  • Contact: Bishal Gurung,E-mail:bishal@mail.kib.ac.cn;Yan Zeng,E-mail:zengy@ioz.ac.cn;Jia Tang,E-mail:tangjia@mail.kib.ac.cn;Xing-Rong Peng,E-mail:pengxingrong@mail.kib.ac.cn;Yu-Lin Xu,E-mail:xuyulin@mail.kib.ac.cn;Feng-Mao Yang,E-mail:yangfengmao@mail.kib.ac.cn;Xiang-Hai Cai,E-mail:xhcai@mail.kib.ac.cn;Jia Ge,E-mail:gejia@mail.kib.ac.cn;Gao Chen,E-mail:chen_gao@mail.kib.ac.cn
  • Supported by:
    This work was equally supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2024YFF1306700), the Key Project of Basic Research of Yunnan Province, China (202301AS070001), and the Regional Innovative Development Joint Fund of NSFC (U23A20149).

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摘要： The global burden of cancer, with over 19 million new cases annually, underscores the urgent need for effective therapies. Among the most promising anticancer compounds is camptothecin (CPT), a monoterpene alkaloid predominantly derived from Nothapodytes species. Despite its significant pharmaceutical value, the exploitation of such Threatened Plant Species with Widespread Distribution (TPSWD), particularly driven by the global demand for natural compounds in anticancer therapies, presents a paradox in which their widespread distribution fails to ensure their secure conservation status. Furthermore, the lack of in-depth biogeographic and systematic studies complicates efforts to balance resource utilization with biodiversity preservation. The asymmetric distribution of CPT within plant taxa, along with limited knowledge of its biosynthetic pathways and the enzymes and genes involved, further hampers sustainable production. Here, we review the current knowledge on the production and protection of Nothapodytes, focusing on their plant resources, active ingredients, and natural drug derivatives. We also explore strategies for rescuing and sustainably utilizing Nothapodytes, including biotechnological advancements and integrated conservation practices. Finally, we propose future directions to address conservation challenges, ensuring a sustainable supply of CPT while safeguarding these TPSWD species.

关键词: Anticancer compounds, Cancer, Nothapodytes, Camptothecin, TPSWD exploitation

Abstract: The global burden of cancer, with over 19 million new cases annually, underscores the urgent need for effective therapies. Among the most promising anticancer compounds is camptothecin (CPT), a monoterpene alkaloid predominantly derived from Nothapodytes species. Despite its significant pharmaceutical value, the exploitation of such Threatened Plant Species with Widespread Distribution (TPSWD), particularly driven by the global demand for natural compounds in anticancer therapies, presents a paradox in which their widespread distribution fails to ensure their secure conservation status. Furthermore, the lack of in-depth biogeographic and systematic studies complicates efforts to balance resource utilization with biodiversity preservation. The asymmetric distribution of CPT within plant taxa, along with limited knowledge of its biosynthetic pathways and the enzymes and genes involved, further hampers sustainable production. Here, we review the current knowledge on the production and protection of Nothapodytes, focusing on their plant resources, active ingredients, and natural drug derivatives. We also explore strategies for rescuing and sustainably utilizing Nothapodytes, including biotechnological advancements and integrated conservation practices. Finally, we propose future directions to address conservation challenges, ensuring a sustainable supply of CPT while safeguarding these TPSWD species.

Key words: Anticancer compounds, Cancer, Nothapodytes, Camptothecin, TPSWD exploitation

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