Nature is a rich source of medicine - if we can protect it

Citation

Piper R, Kagansky A, Malone J, Bunnefeld N & Jenkins R (2018) Nature is a rich source of medicine - if we can protect it. The Conversation. 13.12.2018.

Abstract
First paragraph: The Pacific yew tree is a fairly small and slow growing conifer native to the Pacific Northwest. The Gila monster is a lizard with striking orange and black markings from the drylands of the Southwestern US and Mexico. Two very different organisms, but with a fascinating connection. They've both given us drugs that have saved and improved the lives of millions of people. Paclitaxel, originally isolated in 1971 from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree, is so important for treating various cancers that it is one of the World Health Organisation’s "Essential Medicines". This compound has been studied in more than 3,000 clinical trials. It's safe and effective and it generates sales of around US$80-100m per year.

Keywords
Cancer; medical research; medicine; biodiversity; diabetes; wildlife; reptiles; type 2 diabetes; natural medicine; ecosystems; Parkinson's disease; biomedicine;

Notes
https://theconversation.com/nature-is-a-rich-source-of-medicine-if-we-can-protect-it-107471

People

Professor Nils Bunnefeld

Professor, Biological and Environmental Sciences