Paclitaxel, also known by the trade name Taxol, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. It is derived from the Pacific yew tree (Taxus brevifolia).

While paclitaxel was initially sourced from the bark of Pacific yew trees, the extraction process was both resource-intensive and posed a threat to the survival of these slow-growing trees. To address this issue, researchers developed a more sustainable and economically viable method of producing paclitaxel.

Today, paclitaxel is primarily produced through a semi-synthetic process using precursor compounds, and its production is conducted in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. This method ensures a stable supply of the medication without the need to harvest copious quantities of yew trees. Paclitaxel is an important chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including ovarian, breast, and lung cancer, and its use is supervised and administered by healthcare professionals.

Image credit: https://pxhere.com/vi/photo/679719 (CC by 0)