Daily Current Affairs : 17-November-2023
The Pustul plant, scientifically known as Taxus wallichiana, is facing a severe threat of extinction, raising concerns about the potential impact on cancer treatment. Commonly recognized as Ustul, Birmi, or thunner among tribal communities, this gymnosperms plant holds significant importance in the field of medicine.
Key Details:
- Taxol and Cancer Treatment: The Pustul plant is closely related to Taxus Bacata, a species initially found in Europe that was discovered to possess cancer-treating properties. Taxol, extracted from both Taxus Bacata and Taxus wallichiana, serves as a vital anti-cancer drug administered globally.
About Himalayan Yew:
- Native Habitat: The Himalayan Yew is a species of yew native to the Himalaya and parts of southeast Asia.
- Traditional Uses: Apart from its endangered status, the species has various uses in traditional medicine.
- Botanical Characteristics: It is a medium-sized evergreen coniferous tree, dioecious, with male and female cones on separate plants.
Conservation Status:
- Endangered Classification: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies Taxus wallichiana as endangered.
Medicinal Uses:
- Ayurveda and Tibetan Medicine: The tree has a significant role in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine.
- Source of Anticancer Drug: Taxus wallichiana is a crucial source of chemical precursors for the anticancer drug paclitaxel (taxol).
- Cultural Practices: The Bhotiya tribal community in the Garhwal Himalaya uses the plant to make tea, emphasizing its cultural and medicinal importance.
- Fuelwood: Local communities also utilize this species as a source of fuelwood.
Important Points:
- Pustul Plant Threatened:
- Scientifically known as Taxus wallichiana.
- Commonly recognized as Ustul, Birmi, or thunner among tribal communities.
- Belongs to the gymnosperms group.
- Key Role in Cancer Treatment:
- Related to Taxus Bacata, known for cancer-treating properties.
- Taxol, extracted from both Taxus Bacata and Taxus wallichiana, is a vital global anti-cancer drug.
- About Himalayan Yew:
- Native to the Himalaya and southeast Asia.
- Traditional uses in medicine.
- Medium-sized evergreen coniferous tree.
- Dioecious, with separate male and female cones.
- Conservation Status:
- Classified as endangered by the IUCN.
- Medicinal Uses:
- Significant role in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine.
- Source of chemical precursors for the anticancer drug paclitaxel (taxol).
- Utilized for making tea by the Bhotiya tribal community.
- Also used as fuelwood by local communities.
Why In News
The Pustul plant or Himalayan Yew, scientifically known as Taxus wallichiana, is grappling with the looming threat of extinction, posing a significant risk to cancer treatment; its dwindling population jeopardizes the vital source of paclitaxel, a compound crucial in the development of chemotherapy medications.
MCQs about Pustul Plant: A Threatened Medicinal Treasure in the Himalayas
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What is the scientific name of the endangered plant ?
A. Ustul
B. Taxus Bacata
C. Taxus wallichiana
D. Thunner
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Which anti-cancer drug is derived from both Taxus Bacata and Taxus wallichiana?
A. Aspirin
B. Taxol
C. Penicillin
D. Insulin
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What is the conservation status of the Himalayan Yew, according to the IUCN?
A. Least Concern
B. Near Threatened
C. Vulnerable
D. Endangered
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Besides its medicinal uses, how is Taxus wallichiana utilized by the Bhotiya tribal community?
A. Construction material
B. Musical instrument
C. Tea-making
D. Clothing
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