Editing Phylogenetics (section)

=== Pharmacology ===
One use of phylogenetic analysis involves the pharmacological examination of closely related groups of organisms. Advances in [[cladistics]] analysis through faster computer programs and improved molecular techniques have increased the precision of phylogenetic determination, allowing for the identification of species with pharmacological potential.

Historically, phylogenetic screens for pharmacological purposes were used in a basic manner, such as studying the [[Apocynaceae]] family of plants, which includes alkaloid-producing species like [[Catharanthus]], known for producing [[vincristine]], an antileukemia drug. Modern techniques now enable researchers to study close relatives of a species to uncover either a higher abundance of important bioactive compounds (e.g., species of [[Taxus]] for taxol) or natural variants of known pharmaceuticals (e.g., species of ''Catharanthus'' for different forms of vincristine or vinblastine).<ref>{{Citation |last1=Alam |first1=M. Masidur |title=Vincristine and Vinblastine Anticancer Catharanthus Alkaloids: Pharmacological Applications and Strategies for Yield Improvement |date=2017 |work=Catharanthus roseus: Current Research and Future Prospects |pages=277–307 |editor-last=Naeem |editor-first=M. |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51620-2_11 |access-date=2024-07-23 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-51620-2_11 |isbn=978-3-319-51620-2 |last2=Naeem |first2=M. |last3=Khan |first3=M. Masroor A. |last4=Uddin |first4=Moin |editor2-last=Aftab |editor2-first=Tariq |editor3-last=Khan |editor3-first=M. Masroor A.}}</ref>