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Extracts from Camptotheca (the "happy tree" or "cancer tree") were used to develop the chemotherapeutic drug Topotecan. Plant sources of anti-cancer agents are plants, the derivatives of which have been shown to be usable for the treatment or prevention of cancer in humans. [1] [2]
The milky latex of the tree is extremely poisonous and can cause blindness, severe skin irritation and poisoning (when ingested) in humans and animals. However, this plant has been used medicinally as a purgative or for ulcers. Venda and Sotho people use it against cancer. In South Africa and Zimbabwe candelabra tree stems are also used to ...
Manchineel trees are often signposted as dangerous. William Ellis, ship's surgeon for James Cook on his final voyage, wrote: On the fourth, a party of men were sent to cut wood, as the island apparently afforded plenty of that article; amongst other trees they unluckily cut down several of the manchineel, the juice of which getting into their ...
Standing beneath the tree during rain can cause blistering of the skin from even a small drop of rain with the latex in it. Burning tree parts may cause blindness if the smoke reaches the eyes. The fruit can also be fatal if eaten. Many trees carry a warning sign, while others have been marked with a red "X" on the trunk to indicate danger.
Aveloz (also called firestick plant, pencil tree or Euphorbia tirucalli) – a succulent shrub native to parts of Africa and South America. Its sap is promoted as a cancer treatment; however, according to the American Cancer Society, studies suggest that "aveloz sap may actually suppress the immune system, promote tumor growth, and lead to the ...
Toxicodendron vernix, commonly known as poison sumac, [4] or swamp-sumach, [5] is a woody shrub or small tree growing to 9 metres (30 feet) tall. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] It was previously known as Rhus vernix . This plant is also known as thunderwood , particularly where it occurs in the southern United States.
Some taxine alkaloids have been isolated to study their effects and characteristics. This has allowed the discovery of some of the particular effects of each substance of the plant. For example, taxine A does not influence blood pressure, taxol causes cardiac disturbances in some people, that taxine B is the most toxic of these substances. [41]
Chemophobia (or chemphobia or chemonoia) [1] [2] is an aversion to or prejudice against chemicals or chemistry.The phenomenon has been ascribed both to a reasonable concern over the potential adverse effects of synthetic chemicals, and to an irrational fear of these substances because of misconceptions about their potential for harm, particularly the possibility of certain exposures to some ...