Project number: VNB393-1516
This project was directed at investigating the use of residues from tree harvesting to manufacture pharmaceutical products. Enhancing the non-wood benefits of tree plantation activity has commercial benefits, as does research to identify and develop new pharmaceuticals to treat challenging medical conditions.
The tree species used was African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), a tropical tree species introduced to Australia in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Early government-led research subsequently adapted by the private sector has resulted in about 20,000 hectares of plantation and rehabilitated mine sites throughout Northern Australia. This highly successful initiative has the added carbon sequestration benefits of growing trees and is now adding medicines to its impressive portfolio of uses.
There are many diseases and health conditions that are either untreatable or where current medicines are losing their effectiveness, for example anti-parasitic treatments and anti-biotics. Finding new compounds is the genesis of drug discovery leading to the development of new pharmaceutical applications.
