The document provides a comprehensive overview of the Taxus plant, including its distribution, cultivation, morphological and biochemical characteristics, as well as its various uses, particularly in medicine. It highlights the slow-developing nature of the Taxus tree, its optimal growing conditions, and the significant extraction of the anticancer compound taxol from its bark. Additionally, the Taxus plant has specific health benefits associated with its leaves, fruit, and bark.

1. An Overview of
the Taxus Plant

2. Contents
Introduction
Distribution and habitat
Cultivation and collection
Morphological characters
Microscopical characters
Biochemical constituents
Uses
Conservation status
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3. Introduction of Taxus plant
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Synonyms
 Common Yew, Himalayan yew, Talispatra
Biological source
 Taxus consists of dried roots, bark, and leaves of various
Taxus species i.e. Taxus wallichiana, Taxus baccata, Taxus
cuspidata, Taxus Canadensis.

4. Family:
Taxaceae
Distribution and Habitat:
It is mainly found in
• India
• China
• Myanmar
• Canada
• Nepal
In Nepal they occurred in between 2300-3400m of Himalayan region.
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5. Cultivation and Collection
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It is a very slow-developing evergreen tree that belongs to gymnosperm. It
grows well in any kind of soil. It can bear bitter cold and grows well in shade as
well as in sun. Taxus plants are planted as an ornamental plants in parks and
gardens.
Taxol is isolated from the trunk/bark of Taxus wallichiana.
Generally 1 Kg Taxol will be isolated from seven tons of dried bark.
the content of Taxol in the leaves is comparatively more.
The drying process of the plant is very much related to the content of Taxol. The
drying should be done at 40-50°C.

6. Macroscopical
Characters
• The leaves are linear, small, only 2-
3 cm long and spirally arranged.
• The apex of leaves is sharply
pointed because of accumulation of
silica. It leads to the death of
catties if these sharp apex leaves
are eaten.
• Taxus possesses a long and well
developed tap root. Roots are deep-
feeders and highly branched.
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7. Microscopical
Characters
 Upper and lower epidermal cells are
rectangular in shape and circularized.
 The cuticle is thin on the lower
surface.
 The stomata are sunken type and
restricted only to the lower epidermis.
 The mesophyll is differentiated into
palisade and spongy-parenchyma.
 Only one vascular bundle is present in
the mid-rib region.
 Transfusion tissue is present on the
both sides of vascular bundle
 Resin canals are generally absent.
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8. Chemical Constituents
 Taxol
 Isotaxiresinol
 Cephalomannine
 10 deacetyl Baccatin
 Baccatin III
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Taxol

9. Uses
Leaf
Taxus leaves is used
for cough, bronchitis,
and asthma.
Fruit
Taxus fruit is used as
sedatives and
antispasmodic.
Bark
Taxus bark is used as anti-
tumor agent and to cure
cancer particularly of
breast and uterus.
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10. Thank you
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