Zoya Evens
The Earth is adorned with an intricate tapestry of life, with ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to vast oceans, each harboring a treasure trove of biodiversity. Within these ecosystems lie natural product gems—bioactive compounds sourced from plants, animals and microorganisms—that hold immense potential for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and beyond. Rainforests, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," are biodiversity hotspots that cover only 6% of the planet's surface but are home to more than half of all known species. Within these dense canopies and rich forest floors lie a plethora of plant species, many of which have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures for medicinal purposes. One such example is the Amazon rainforest, which boasts unparalleled biodiversity and is a veritable treasure trove of natural product gems. From the bark of the cinchona tree, indigenous peoples derived quinine, a compound used to treat malaria. Similarly, the rosy periwinkle plant, native to Madagascar, yielded compounds that led to the development of drugs for leukemia and Hodgkin's disease.
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