{"product_id":"the-medicinal-seed","title":"The Medicinal Seed","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis piece complements the medicinal botanicals collection, with focus being on a more recent discovery of a flu treatment from a common kitchen cupboard seed:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe star-shaped seeds from \u003ci\u003eIllicium verum\u003c\/i\u003e (Chinese star Anise), contain shikimic acid, which was used in the synthesis of the anti-influenza medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It must not to be mistaken for Japanese star anise, which looks very similar, but it is highly toxic and cases of misidentification have been fatal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn 1588, the sailor, Sir Thomas Candish, brought \u003ci\u003eIllicium verum\u003c\/i\u003e back to Queen Elizabeth’s apothecary. The seeds were used to make cough sweets and can still be used to flavour sambuca.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn 1993, Dr Norbert Bischofberger began research into influenza treatments. By 1996, oseltamivir was in clinical trials and was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2002. Originally synthesised from shikimic acid, it is now manufactured using \u003ci\u003eE.Coli\u003c\/i\u003e. Initial trials suggested that treatment within 36 hours of symptom onset shortened fever and symptoms by 30 hours, and if given to those exposed, fewer subjects got influenza.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn 2009, the UK spent £424\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emillion stockpiling oseltamivir for avian influenza and H1N1 preparedness. Five years later, a Cochrane review found it reduced symptoms by only 16.8 hours and did not prevent complications. Due to its cost, limited benefit, and side effects, it was later downgraded from the essential medicines list.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand signed, giclée print on 310 gsm Museum Heritage acid-free paper, meeting the highest museum quality archival standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize is \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA3 (420 x297mm or 11.7 x16.5 inches).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a limited edition with only 30 available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping is usually within 1 week and sent next day special delivery, tracked and signed for. The art is carefully packed in a solid cardboard tube and wrapped in acid-free paper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCOLLECTION - if you are local to Hitchin and would prefer to collect, please send me a direct message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Advice\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease keep the print out of direct sunlight and frame under acrylic or glass protection (ideally UV protected) to avoid deterioration in pigments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease make sure your hands are clean and remove the print carefully from the packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Becky Ullah Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56130679374203,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/8336\/3639\/files\/ThemedicinalseedWatermarked.jpg?v=1772793367","url":"https:\/\/beckyullah.co.uk\/products\/the-medicinal-seed","provider":"Becky Ullah Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}