Medicine from plants

Article Abstract:

Many important prescription drugs, including morphine, codeine, quinine and digitalis, were derived from natural plants. Despite the sophistication of modern synthetic chemistry, man cannot yet compete with the variety of plant species developed by nature throughout billions of years of evolution. Roughly 3,500 new chemical compounds were described in 1985; over 2,600 of these were isolated from plants. Norman Farnsworth of the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy estimated that only 5,000 plant species have been thoroughly investigated for possible medical applications. Well over 250,000 species remain; one of them may yield compounds effective in the treatment of cancer or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Much research remains to be done, but the United States is lagging behind other countries in this area. West Germany and Japan are responsible for the majority of new plant-derived chemicals being patented and applied to medical use. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Medicinal plants, Materia medica, Vegetable, Plant extracts, editorial, Botany, Medical, Medical botany

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Pharmaceuticals based on biotechnology

Article Abstract:

Biotechnological methods of synthesis, testing and genome-sequencing hold the promise of many new wonder drugs. Major drug companies had been skeptical of biotechnology even while they were downsizing their own unproductive research staffs, are forging new alliances with biotech firms.

Editorial, Product development, Biotechnology industry, Biotechnology industries, Forecasts and trends, Pharmaceutical research

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Pathological growth of regulations

Article Abstract:

Compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations cost $115 billion in 1990 and the projection for 2000 is $180 billion. The regulations are adversely affecting local governments and small business, and many of them are not necessary.

Laws, regulations and rules, United States. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental law, Regulatory compliance costs

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