Looking into the past to find the future?

Recently while reading another native plant enthusiasts blog, I came across an interesting article involving one of my favorite genera of Australian Native plants, Eremophila. Eremophila's (commonly known as Emu Bushes) are an Australian (with one species endemic to New Zealand) genera normally growing in arid or semi-arid landscapes (although grow able on the humid east coast of Australia), known for the odd trait of seed germination usually only being possible after the seed has passed through an emu.

During times of large aboriginal civilizations, leaves of Emu bushes were used to create throat gargles and ointments for skin abrasions and also used during cleansing ceremonies. During the last decade, modern science has researched Eremophila leaves and found them to contain an extremely useful antibacterial agent, currently being developed to coat artificial joint implants, to ward off infection.

One wonders with this research (and many other similar stories), how much information can be gained by simply looking back at primitive civilizations, and our own backyards. Looking in to research of medicinal properties of Australian natives, and in particularly West Australian species, leaves the reader wondering what magical cure is lying in a leaf outside of Esperance. 

With this realization, I think a greater spotlight is put on preserving Australia's biodiversity. What if one of Australia's several flora and fauna threatened by introduced weeds and predators hold the answer to the next big breakthrough in cancer, or heart disease? 

Better not die wondering is my view. I find this thought motivating, and have always held the view of sustaining bio diverse native landscapes highly, even if it is for selfish means of improving mankind's health

Resources: http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/01/22/2472270.htm?site=science&topic=latest