Scarcity led to searches for other sources and, in 1983, it was synthesized from baccatin III, derived from a European shrub.  
Structurally described by Wani and Wall in 1971, its vinca alkaloids were at first thought to destabilize microtubules, but later work showed it uses other paths to disrupt mitosis.  Scarcity led to searches for other sources and, in 1983, it was synthesized from baccatin III, derived from a European shrub.  For ten points, name the anti-cancer compound first isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew.
Structurally described by Wani and Wall in 1971, its vinca alkaloids were at first thought to destabilize microtubules, but later work showed it uses other paths to disrupt mitosis.  
taxol or paclitaxel