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  • Catharanthus roseus (L.)G.Don Apocynaceae. Madagascar Periwinkle Distribution: Madagascar. It is the source of vincristine and vinblastine, which impair cell multiplication by interfering with microtubule assembly, causing metaphase arrest and are effective medications for leukaemias, lymphomas and some solid tumours. The mortality from childhood leukaemia fell from 100% to 30% once it was introduced - not a drug that could ethically be tested by double-blind trials. These chemicals were initially discovered by investigators in 1958 who were looking for cures for diabetes so tested this plant which was being used in the West Indies to reduce blood sugar levels. There are 70 different alkaloids present in this plant, and some - catharanthine, leurosine sulphate, lochnerine, tetrahydroalstonine, vindoline and vindolinine - lower blood sugar levels. However, the toxicity of this plant is such that this is not a plant to try at home for diabetic management. The vincristine content of the plant is 0.0003%, so two kilograms of leaf are required to produce sufficient vincristine for a single course of treatment for a child (6gm). Fortunately it is a vigorous weed and easy to grow in the tropics. Artificial synthesis has now been achieved. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
  • No added sugar : why we never add sugar to Whole Earth products / Whole Earth Foods Ltd.
  • No added sugar : why we never add sugar to Whole Earth products / Whole Earth Foods Ltd.
  • Birkbeck, T. B.
  • Inula helenium L. Asteraceae. Elecampine, Elecampane, Enulae campinae Distribution: Britain, S. Europe to the Himalayas. Used medicinally for 2,000 years. Culpeper (1650) writes ‘Elecampane, is ... wholesome for the stomach, resists poison, helps old coughs and shortness of breath, helps ruptures and provokes lust
  • A sugar cane plant (Saccharum officinarum), its flower and sections of stem, bordered by six scenes illustrating its use by man. Coloured lithograph, c. 1840.
  • A sugar cane plant (Saccharum officinarum), its flower and sections of stem, bordered by six scenes illustrating its use by man. Coloured lithograph, c. 1840.
  • A new doctor being vetted by a local parish committee. Wood engraving after J. Leech.
  • Althaea officinalis L. Malvaceae. Marsh Mallow. Herbaceous perennial. Althaea comes from the Greek word for healing
  • Althaea officinalis L. Malvaceae. Marsh Mallow. Herbaceous perennial. Althaea comes from the Greek word for healing
  • Theory of diseases treated with Minor Bupleurum decoction
  • Theory of diseases treated with chaihu guizhi tang, Chinese
  • John Coakley Lettsom, physician, with his family, in the garden of Grove Hill, Camberwell.
  • James Graham and Gustavus Katterfelto in combat using electrotherapy machines as weapons. Etching, 1783.