Camptotheca acuminata (Camptotheca acuminata)

Other names: Xi shu, happy tree, cancer tree, tree of life, tree of joy

Camptotheca acuminata, also known as Xi shu, happy tree, cancer tree, tree of life, or tree of joy, is a tree-like plant native to southern and central China. Although it is a magnificent tree that can reach up to 20 metres in height and is adorned with delicate blooms, its medicinal properties are what attract most attention. Since ancient times, its properties have been used in traditional medicine in China. It is particularly valued for its alkaloid called camptothecin, which has anticarcinogenic effects. According to studies, it is able to inhibit an enzyme called topoisomerase, which plays a key role in the replication of DNA in cancer cells.

Camptotheca products are mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry. These are mostly drugs used to treat various types of cancer. For example, the drug irinotecan, which is used to treat colorectal cancer, has its active ingredient in camptothecin. So does topotecan, used to treat small cell lung and ovarian cancers. No less important, however, is the use of camptotheca in traditional Chinese medicine, where its extract is used to treat various ailments such as psoriasis, polyarthritis and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Despite its admittedly very specific uses, there is no denying that camptotheca is a plant with immense healing potential. It is therefore important to protect its populations and to ensure that it is used ethically.