Importance and Uses of Biodiversity in Health and Industry
Uses of Biodiversity
Importance of Biodiversity
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Biodiversity as a Natural Resource
- Biodiversity provides essential resources like food, medicines, and industrial products.
- It supports ecological balance by fostering diverse ecosystems.
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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
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Quinine:
- Derived from Cinchona bark.
- Effective against malaria.
- Historical significance: revolutionized the treatment of malaria in tropical regions.
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Anti-Cancer Drugs
- Taxol: Major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
- Vinblastine & Vincristine: Used for Hodgkin's disease and leukemia.
Traditional and Modern Applications
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Ethnomedicines
- Traditional knowledge of plant-based medicines is crucial for modern drug development.
- Thousands of species have potential therapeutic uses.
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Botanochemicals
- Plant-derived chemicals used in various industries beyond pharmaceuticals.
- Include oils, gums, and resins.
Genetic and Agricultural Value
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Genetic Resources
- Offers genetic material for crop improvement.
- Important for developing resistant and high-yield varieties.
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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