Alkaloids derived from tree bark destroy cancer cells

Tree bark acts as an important chemical defence mechanism against pests. When a plant comes under threat from bacteria or an insect, alkaloids secreted by the plant may, for example, inhibit cell division or the activity of DNA in the insect, preventing reproduction. This is the operating mechanism of paclitaxel and camptothecin, two compounds isolated … Continue reading Alkaloids derived from tree bark destroy cancer cells