Taxus, the anti-cancer yew trees found in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India, are under tremendous threat due to over-exploitation and are in the danger of disappearing. Taxus are the primary source of taxol, which is used in the treatment of ovarian and breast cancers and kaposi’s sarcoma, an AIDS related cancer. It is also useful in treatment of 20 other indications and is in huge demand in the pharmaceutical industry.
The tree is a source of the anticancer drug paclitaxel and it also has usage for coating of stents (anti-angiogenesis), Alzheimers, multiple-sclerosis and polycystic kidney disease. The value of a single tree can be estimated from the fact that a 20-year-old tree can yield up to 30 kg of leaves and 5 kg of bark, which in turn produces 4 gm of taxol, which is priced at Rupees 3 lakh.
The huge demand has taken its toll, leading to almost near disappearance of the tree from the state. Leading researches from the Rajiv Gandhi University in Itanagar have stressed on conservation of the trees for the welfare of humankind. They suggested systematic strategies through larger community awareness, community participation, financial and infrastructural assistance and adequate remuneration in order to preserve the trees.
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Is it available in South India.
Is it possible for the plantation of these(Yew) tree in Assam,India ? if possible how?