Camptothecin is a natural alkaloid derived from the bark of the Camptotheca acuminata tree, native to China. It was first discovered in the 1960s and has gained attention for its potential as an anti-cancer agent. Camptothecin works by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase I, which is crucial for DNA replication and repair, leading to cancer cell death. Due to its effectiveness, several derivatives of camptothecin, such as irinotecan and topotecan, have been developed and are used in cancer treatments. These drugs are particularly effective against various cancers, including colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer, making camptothecin a significant compound in oncology research.