Rainforest Medicines

Did you know that scientists are racing against time to find and identify plant-based medicines? The National Cancer Institute has now identified over 3,000 plants that help fight cancer cells and many of them come from rainforests.

Because 70 percent of these plants are found in rainforests, scientists are working with governments and tribal leaders to unlock the mysteries of beneficial plants before they're gone forever. Right now there are over 100 companies searching for a plant or medicine that will kill off cancer cells.

While the scientists look for cancer cures, other medical benefits are emerging. Of the 121 drugs that have been produced from plants found in the rainforest, 74 percent of them are found during research on the plant's medicinal properties.

Follow the index at the bottom of each page on the Web site to learn more about our earth's natural medicine cabinet. You'll also find intriguing stories about rainforest dwellers' vast knowledge of medicinal plants.

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