Importance and Uses of Biodiversity in Health and Industry

Uses of Biodiversity

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Importance of Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity as a Natural Resource

    • Biodiversity provides essential resources like food, medicines, and industrial products.
    • It supports ecological balance by fostering diverse ecosystems.
  • Pharmaceutical Contributions

    • Many pharmaceuticals derive from plant substances.
    • Examples:
      • Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) : Used for pain relief and sedation.
      • Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) : Produces anti-cancer drugs like vinblastine and vincristine.
      • Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia) : Source of the anti-cancer drug taxol.

Plant-Derived Medicines

  • Quinine:

    • Derived from Cinchona bark.
    • Effective against malaria.
    • Historical significance: revolutionized the treatment of malaria in tropical regions.
  • Anti-Cancer Drugs

    • Taxol: Major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
    • Vinblastine & Vincristine: Used for Hodgkin's disease and leukemia.

Traditional and Modern Applications

  • Ethnomedicines

    • Traditional knowledge of plant-based medicines is crucial for modern drug development.
    • Thousands of species have potential therapeutic uses.
  • Botanochemicals

    • Plant-derived chemicals used in various industries beyond pharmaceuticals.
    • Include oils, gums, and resins.

Genetic and Agricultural Value

  • Genetic Resources

    • Offers genetic material for crop improvement.
    • Important for developing resistant and high-yield varieties.
  • Conservation

    • Essential for sustaining the planet's ecosystems.
    • Protects against the loss of potential resources and knowledge.

Extended readings:

www.who.int
Biodiversity and Health - World Health Organization (WHO)
www.sciencedirect.com
Biodiversity: the overlooked source of human health - ScienceDirect
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Plant Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Matter! - PMC