[MPWG] mother nature's drugs

[Robyn Klein]

I just briefly skimmed this new paper. Newman and Cragg have been producing 
these reviews and encouraging the search for new drugs among natural
products. This paper is a good source of statistical information.

However, do not misunderstand the term "natural product." The majority of 
these drugs are from bacteria and fungi, not plants. The few exceptions 
include the anti-malarial drugs mimicking artemisinin from Artemisia annua 
(also anti-tumor drugs from this plant). There is also some drug made from 
four Nigerian plants that is being used for sickle cell anemia.

Even vincristine and camptotechin are now made via huge vats of yeast or 
fungi.

Gila monster venom has also supplied us with a new drug. Say thanks next 
time you see one on the trail.

Robyn Klein, M.S. Medical Botany, Adjunct Instructor
Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology
Montana State University-Bozeman
www.rrreading.com