Over the past 50 years, many biologically active natural products have been discovered and have utility in agriculture and pharmaceuticals industry.  It is interesting to find there is a certain pleasure that comes from migrating across scientific disciplines.  In this transition it happens that chemical structures and their derivatives turn up like old friends.  Perhaps another metaphor exists between the chemistry of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals with the common thread being chemistry.  Of course, modern civilization is built upon the pillars of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, with the first giving rise to an abundance of food and the latter keeping the mind and body healthy.  This paper will interweave examples of agrochemicals that possess pharmaceutical effects and, conversely, medicinal agents that have agrochemical properties.  Included in these examples are biologically active natural products discovered by Horace �Hank� Cutler during his 50 years as a natural products chemist.

From the rainforest to your grocery store and medicine cabinet: A review of the recent 50 years of natural products research

244th National Meeting (2012)

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