Book 17, Question 132
What Medicines Come From Rainforest Plants?
Many medicines first came from plants, and rainforests hold a lot of plants! Scientists study them carefully in laboratories. Never try a wild plant as medicine, because it can be harmful.
More fun facts
- Rainforests have been called the world's largest pharmacy.
- Over one quarter of natural medicines have been found in rainforests.
- Rainforest plants are used to make medicines, including drugs that fight cancer.
- They are also used in foods and beauty products.
- Rainforests may hold cures for deadly diseases.
Sources: National Park Service, National Geographic, National Park Service
Questions kids ask
Why are rainforests called a pharmacy?
Over one quarter of natural medicines have been found in rainforests.