Rapid micro-assay of camptothecin in Camptotheca acuminata

A micro-assay has been developed to extract and rapidly quantify the antica ncer alkaloid, camptothecin (CPT), from two leaf disks of Camptotheca acumi nata Decaisne (Nyssaceae). This assay utilizes thin-layer chromatography in conjunction with fluorescence imaging to obtain reproducible measurements in the nanogram range. A large number of trees can be screened using this p rocedure to identify high producers of CPT in a relatively short period of time.