Taxus chinensis, also known as Taxus chinensis and Pinus densiflora, is a precious tree species with ornamental and medicinal functions. Taxol and taxol extracted from its plants are internationally recognized as broad-spectrum, low-toxicity and high-efficiency anticancer drugs, which are expensive, so yew is also called "biological gold".

The stems, branches, leaves and roots of Taxus can be used as medicine. The main components contain paclitaxel, paclitaxel, taxane and diterpenoids, which have anticancer effect. The use of Taxus chinensis has a certain history in China, but it needs to be used under the guidance of doctors because of its toxicity.

In addition, the heartwood of Taxus chinensis is orange-red, the sapwood is yellow-brown, the texture is flat, the structure is fine, the specific gravity is 0.55-0.76, it is solid and durable, and it is not easy to crack after drying. It can be used as a material for buildings, vehicles, furniture, utensils, farm tools and stationery.

Extended data

Species status quo

Because the bark of Taxus chinensis contains anticancer substance-paclitaxel, many people go into the forest to peel the bark, which makes the number of Taxus chinensis drop sharply. The reason why Taxus chinensis is in a slump is because in the early 1990s, an American company discovered that taxol in the bark of Taxus chinensis has anticancer effect.

When the news spread to China and Yunnan, people suddenly realized that the treasure was around, people peeled yew crazily, and no one paid attention to the detailed regulations on the protection of precious tree species in Yunnan Province. As a result, the lives of more and more yew came to an abrupt end overnight.

The State Forestry Administration of China once gave a clear instruction to the "Taxus chinensis Project": "Taxus chinensis is a first-class protected tree species in China, with good ecological benefits and extremely high economic value. The state supports the vigorous construction of yew forests within an appropriate scope, and encourages all sectors of society to participate in afforestation and greening in various forms such as contracting, leasing, auction and joint-stock cooperation. "

Liangyeshan National Nature Reserve is the first national nature reserve of yew in China and the only national nature reserve with yew in China. As a protected object.

Baidu encyclopedia-yew

People's Daily Online-Health Warning: Don't make tea and drink yew at will.