Why did scientists begin studying the bark of the Pacific yew trees?

Answer 1

The use of the Pacific Yew as a modern medicine dates back to the late 1950's and in the early 1960's research was begun on its cancer fighting properties. During this time there was pressure for serious cancer research and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was formed. One of their agendas was to look for all medicinal plants that could help in the newly declared war against cancer. The NCI contracted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to find samples of many plant species for research.

Taxus brevifolia, the Pacific Yew, was used by the Tsimshian tribe of native Americans as a cancer treatment plant. The Bella Coola tribe used it as a pulmonary aid. The Chehalis tribe - as an infusion to induce perspiring and a general health tonic. The Cowlitz tribe applied the ground plant to heal wounds. The Haihais tribe - used as gastrointestinal aid. The Hanaksiala, Karok and Kitasoo tribes, used it as a urinary aid. The Klallam, Mendocino Indian, Okanagan-Colville, Quinault, Swinomish, Thompson and Yurok tribes all used this tree as an herbal remedy. Source: p.551 "Native American Ethnobotany" by Daniel E. Moerman.