Which of the following is a medicinal plant used to treat certain types of cancer?

Correct answer: (b) Himalayan yew

Explanation

The Himalayan yew (*Taxus wallichiana*) yields taxol (paclitaxel), a drug used against several cancers, including breast, ovarian and lung cancer. Taxol was first found in the Pacific yew. It stops cancer cells from dividing by stabilising the microtubules of the spindle.

Because its bark and leaves have been over-harvested for the drug, the Himalayan yew has become endangered.