They were originally identified from plants of the genus Taxus (yews), and feature a taxadiene core.

Taxanes present difficulties in formulation as medicines because they are poorly soluble in water.

Recently, the presence of taxanes in the shells and leaves of Corylus avellana (the common hazel plant) has been reported.

[6][7] The principal mechanism of action of the taxane class of drugs is the disruption of microtubule function.

In contrast to the taxanes, the vinca alkaloids prevent mitotic spindle formation through inhibition of tubulin polymerization.