Sunday, January 20, 2008

Forget Not the Medicinal Plants!

Many plants offer chemicals that are used in pharmaceutical drugs, yet they are in the face of extinction! As of now 50% of drugs rely on these plants, but scientists are trying to produce the chemicals in the labs. The problem with this, according to the Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is that potential cures could be lost. They specifically referenced possible cures for HIV or cancer. In addition, these medicinal plants are the number one source of treatment for 5 billion people, many of whom live in developing countries.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7196702.stm

~Jazz

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