Botanical Overview
Taxus baccata and Taxus brevifolia are coniferous trees from the family Taxaceae, commonly known as English yew and Pacific yew respectively. The primary medicinal parts are the bark, leaves, and wood. These species naturally occur in Europe and North America.
Energetics
Classical energetics data for Taxus species are not well established in traditional herbal systems, and thus energetics parameters such as temperature, moisture, tastes, directionality, tonicity, and relationships to qi, blood, or fluids remain undetermined.
Primary Actions
- Antineoplastic
- Cardiotonic
- Cytotoxic
Indications
Western
- Various cancers including breast, ovarian, and non-small cell lung cancer
Syndromes
- Neoplastic diseases
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
TCM
Not traditionally used or indicated.
Ayurveda
Not traditionally used or indicated.
Unani
Not traditionally used or indicated.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The bark and wood contain highly bioactive taxane diterpenoids such as paclitaxel (commonly known as taxol), baccatin III, and related taxanes. Paclitaxel acts by stabilizing microtubules and inhibiting cell division, accounting for its potent anticancer effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Paclitaxel is administered as an intravenous injection in oncology settings following established protocols.
- Raw plant preparations are not used due to toxicity.
Safety & Contraindications
The plant is highly toxic; ingestion of raw parts can be fatal. Only purified paclitaxel derivatives are used medicinally. Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Clinical use requires careful monitoring for cardiotoxicity and hypersensitivity. Interactions with chemotherapeutic agents and CYP3A4 modulators are significant.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable traditional sources found for planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Taxus baccata L., herba. European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph (2014)
- Paclitaxel. National Cancer Institute, NIH (2022)
- Taxus baccata. Plants For A Future Database
- Horwitz SB. Taxane anticancer agents: paclitaxel and docetaxel. Wiley-VCH Verlag (1998)