Image from Science Daily
Madagascar
is an amazing and complex country, filled with often either rare or unique
animals and plants; furthermore, a large proportion of world vanilla originates
from Madagascar – one of the world’s largest islands. These are some of
Madagascar’s ‘highlights’, though unfortunately it’s poverty is also a complex
situation, as it can be difficult for people to find their basic needs such as
food, water, shelter or health care.
Now
though, another interesting detail has emerged – potentially one which could
offer life – changing benefits. Madagascar has hundreds of unique plants – yet
now, after several decades of research, plant scientists have uncovered a
fascinating detail about a plant called Madagascar periwinkle – that it
produces a cancer – fighting compound named vinblastine.
A
team from the John Innes Centre in Norwich have found that the compound which
is found in the leaves of the Periwinkle, can be used to create much needed
drugs to fight against Testicular, Breast, Bladder and Lung Cancer.
This
plant has been known since the 1950s. What is new and significant about this discovery
is that scientists have only just understood how the plant produces vinblastine,
and they hope to use the natural product to understand how the compound is
produced and thus synthetically produce it to offer a cancer treatment quicker,
more effectively and to more people.
This
is an example of Madagascar continuing to surprise and produce. There is a
problem, though. Madagascar is also one of the poorest countries, in which some
people are forced to exploit the environment, merely to survive. It is clear that
there are two key elements to work on to allow this amazing country to survive
and thrive. It is important to help the people, ensure they get things such a
good education, food or sanitation, which can then allow them to succeed and
not need to destroy the land – if we help the people, then both they and the
natural environment will both win.
If
you would like to know more about how this could be done, or to make a donation
– and make an immediate impact to Madagascar, please see our website at https://moneyformadagascar.org/ Thank you.
Sources
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Written By Matthew Ward
