Canadian Yew
Taxus brevifolia
Taxus brevifolia, commonly known as Pacific yew or western yew, is a traditional medicine plant native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications. Scientific studies have shown that selective long-range hydrogen migrations play a role in the biosynthesis and fragmentation of taxa-4,11-diene from Taxus brevifolia, and suggest that paclitaxel, derived from this plant, may be a promising target for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Additionally, research has confirmed Taxol production by endophytic fungi associated with T. brevifolia and identified genes involved in its biosynthesis via the mevalonate pathway. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with the plant have been found to be sensitive to soil pH and neighboring tree species. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions are currently known for Taxus brevifolia, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study provides evidence that selective long-range hydrogen migrations play a role in the biosynthesis and fragmentation of taxa-4,11-diene from Taxus brevifolia.
- Taxus brevifolia contains paclitaxel, a microtubule stabilizer that has shown promise as an AD therapeutic.
- The study confirmed Taxol production from the endophytic fungus Fusarium tricinctum and identified its biosynthetic genes, using the mevalonate pathway.
- The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with Taxus brevifolia show sensitivity to soil pH and neighboring tree species.
- Nerolidol mitigated paclitaxel-induced alterations in oxidant-antioxidant balance and inflammation markers in rats.
Frequently asked questions
What is Canadian Yew?
Canadian Yew (Taxus brevifolia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Canadian Yew?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Canadian Yew; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study provides evidence that selective long-range hydrogen migrations play a role in the biosynthesis and fragmentation of taxa-4,11-diene from Taxus brevifolia.
How strong is the evidence for Canadian Yew?
The strongest finding for Canadian Yew carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Canadian Yew safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Canadian Yew in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Canadian Yew interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Canadian Yew in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Canadian Yew?
Canadian Yew is also known as: Тис коротколистный, If de l'Ouest.
Is Canadian Yew a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 On the Role of Hydrogen Migrations in the Taxadiene System. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Protective Effect of Nerolidol on Paclitaxel-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Rats: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with Taxus brevifolia (western yew) are sensitive to soil pH and neighborhood forest composition. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Taxol production and Elucidation of its biosynthetic pathway in endophytic fungus Fusarium tricinctum associated with Taxus baccata. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Target-Based Drug Delivery Approaches against Alzheimer's Disease - Recent Updates. literature abstract metadata