Description
Camptotheca acuminata is a species of deciduous tree from the Nyssaceae family. This species originates from southern China and Tibet, but it is now cultivated in India and Japan. Camptotheca acuminata can reach heights up to 65 feet tall. Camptotheca acuminata also goes by the common names Cancer Tree, Xi Shu, Happy Tree, Tree of Life.
Camptotheca acuminata is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of colds, psoriasis, cancers and leukemia of the liver, gallbladder and stomach. The bark and stems of Camptotheca acuminata contain the alkaloids camptothecin, trifolin, and hyperoside. Camptothecin is now being researched for treatment of certain types of cancers. Studies have also shown that it blocks the replication of the HIV virus that causes AIDS.
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