Medicinal uses of yew roots

The ornamental value of yew trees is very high, especially when they are towering into the sky. However, in world botany, yew is also considered to be a famous anti-cancer drug that is on the verge of extinction. The reason why yew is said to have anti-cancer effects is not because yew itself has anti-cancer effects, but also because yew extracts can inhibit cancer cells in the human body. The following article explains the medicinal value of yew.

The medicinal value of yew is mainly reflected in its extract - secondary metabolite derivative - paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is mainly extracted from the roots, bark, stems and leaves of Taxus chinensis.

Paclitaxel has been proven to be effective against many types of cancer, especially ovarian cancer and breast cancer, with a cure rate of 33% and an effectiveness rate of 75%. Paclitaxel is the drug with the best efficacy and the least side effects in the fight against various cancers in the past 15 years following doxorubicin and cisplatin.

Like many drugs, yew has certain toxicity. If consumed in large quantities and for a long time without a doctor's guidance, it may cause serious toxic side effects such as suppression of bone marrow hematopoietic function and a decrease in white blood cells. Yew is not a new resource food. The Ministry of Health has included yew in the "List of Prohibited Items in Health Foods" in the "Notice of the Ministry of Health on Further Standardizing the Management of Health Food Ingredients", prohibiting the use of yew as a health food and food ingredient.

The main symptoms of poisoning when people accidentally ingest yew are dizziness, dilated pupils, nausea, vomiting, diffuse abdominal pain, muscle weakness, etc. In severe cases, bradycardia, cardiac arrest or death may occur. Pathological examinations show changes such as pulmonary edema, myocardial hemorrhage and myocarditis.

Drinking yew tea directly has no anti-cancer or cancer prevention effects. Because: The main anti-cancer and cancer prevention ingredient of yew is paclitaxel, which is now a very commonly used tumor chemotherapy drug. Paclitaxel is insoluble in water. Even if special solvents are used for extraction, certain co-solvents must be added. According to law enforcement officers from the Market Section of the Food and Drug Administration, food and medicine containing yew are highly toxic and may cause serious side effects after long-term and excessive consumption. In February this year, the health department reminded consumers not to consume yew or food and medicine containing yew.

ps, in addition to extracting paclitaxel, it can also be used for root carving.