Fontainea picrosperma explained

Fontainea picrosperma, commonly known as the blushwood tree, is a rainforest tree in the family Euphorbiaceae endemic to Queensland in Australia, where it grows on the Atherton Tablelands.

Uses

An anti-cancer drug known as EBC-46 has been developed from an extract of the fruits of Fontainea picrosperma. Trials have shown that it has activity against four different types of tumours, including basal-cell carcinoma, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and breast adenocarcinoma. The fruits are toxic to humans if eaten.[1]

Notes and References

  1. News: Poison fears over berries of tree used for anti-cancer cure . Bateman, Daniel . The Cairns Post . 24 August 2016 . 16 April 2017.