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michael · super moderator Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 981

Hundreds of medicinal plants are at risk of extinction from over-collection and deforestation. This extinction threatens the discovery of future cures for diseases such as cancer and HIV, according to experts.
Over 50% of prescription drugs are derived from chemicals first identified in plants.

MIRACLE CURES MOST AT RISK
Yew tree - Cancer drug paclitaxel is derived from the bark, but it takes six trees to create a single dose so growers are struggling to keep up

Hoodia - Plant has sparked interest for its ability to suppress appetite, but vast quantities have already been "ripped from the wild" as the search for the miracle weight drug continues

Magnolia - Has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for 5,000 years as it is believed to help fight cancer, dementia and heart disease. Half the world's species threatened, mostly due to deforestation

Autumn crocus - Romans and Greeks used it as poison, but now one of the most effective treatments for gout. Under threat from horticulture trade

And half of the world's species of magnolias are also under threat.

The plant contains the chemical honokiol, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cancers and slow down the onset of heart disease.

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