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  1. Taxol: a review

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    Author(s): Walter C. Shortle; Rakesh Minocha
    Date: 1999
    Source: In: Raychaudhuri, S.P.; Maramorosch, K., eds. Biotechnology and plant protection in forestry science. [Place Publication unknown]: Science Publishers: 1-11.
    Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL)
    Station: Northern Research Station
    PDF: Download Publication  (606.62 KB)

    Description

    Cancer is one of the most feared diseases. It involves the rapid and uncontrolled proliferation of "abnormal" cells in the body. The cancerous cell mass disrupts normal functioning of the organ or tissue in which it is found. Current treatments involve surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often applied in some combination. Naturally occurring chemotherapeutic agents from plants have been sought during the 20th century. The first success was in the late 1930s when it was discovered that colchicine, an alkaloid obtained from autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), can disrupt the spindle mechanism during mitosis, thereby blocking cell division (Lewis and Elvin-Lewis, 1977).

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    Citation

    Shortle, Walter C.; Minocha, Rakesh. 1999. Taxol: a review. In: Raychaudhuri, S.P.; Maramorosch, K., eds. Biotechnology and plant protection in forestry science. [Place Publication unknown]: Science Publishers: 1-11.

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