"Plants have always been the primary source for medicinal compounds. Nature is the world's best chemist," says Miller, who directs the Garden's natural products research program. As the provider of raw materials for further evaluation, the Garden plays an important part in an urgent mission.

"The genes that exist in the natural world are all the raw material we have for developing new food crops," said Miller, "but the species that could supply those genes are going extinct at an unprecedented rate."

Natural products research holds a great deal of promise, but it moves at a careful page. From the time a plant is collected and tested to the release of a commercial drug, 10 to 15 years can elapse.

"Bioprospecting supports botanical research and conservation of endangered species," Miller continued. "At the same time, it has great potential to benefit human health."