Ancient Roots, Modern Medicine

For thousands of years, people have experimented with plants as a way to cure sickness, conquer infection, and increase longevity. Now, medical researchers are tapping into this vast treasure trove of folk knowledge in their quest for modern drugs to fight cancer and other menacing diseases. Journey to the exotic Caribbean island of Curaçao where healer Dinah Veeris is on a one-woman crusade to preserve her homeland's threatened, medicinal plants. She is also saving the wisdom a vanishing generation of healers whose practices are steeped in African and Native American lore. And see how scientists are unlocking the power of the island's botanical wealth - from the divi divi tree's amazing ability to fight staph infections to Mermaid's Hair, a coastal blue-green algae with the promise of cancer cures.

For thousands of years, people have experimented with plants as a way to cure sickness, conquer infection, and increase longevity. Now, medical researchers are tapping into this vast treasure trove of folk knowledge in their quest for modern drugs to fight cancer and other menacing diseases. Venture to the US/Mexico border, where people have been using medicinal plants for thousands of years and continue today. It is a land of cacti, intense sun, and curanderos - those who heal with desert roots and herbs. Now, American scientists are tapping into that precious knowledge - from an innovative program at New Mexico State University to clinical tests at a cutting-edge Seattle research lab - student researchers are discovering the power nature's wonders, and perhaps the next breakthrough medicine.

For thousands of years, people have experimented with plants as a way to cure sickness, conquer infection, and increase longevity. Now, medical researchers are tapping into this visit treasure trove of folk knowledge in their quest for modern drugs to fight cancer and other menacing diseases. Ancient Roots, Modern Medicine is a three-part series that explores this amazing convergence of ancient healing arts with modern medical practices. These documentaries, produced by the award-winning Leading Object Media Group, present fascinating insights into cultures around the globe that still practice ancient ways. The series also tracks intrepid scientists in their exploration for new cures based on ancient medicinal plants. As the research moves forward, both the botanical wealth and traditional wisdom are under attack by human encroachment and environmental impacts of the 21st Century. It is an epic struggle as science races against time.