Since the time of Hippocrates in 400 B.C. preparations from Narcissus sp. have been used in the treatment of various cancers. More specially, in modern times, amaryllidaceae alkaloids isolated from Hymenocallis sp. (Tropical Spider Lily) have shown potent anti-neoplastic activity. However, as is often the case with such secondary metabolites it is isolable in only minute amounts (e.g. 0.0022%) from native bulb tissue. As usual multiple chemical syntheses have been attempted but all require too many chemical steps, and overall yields are extremely disappointing. It is perhaps time to turn back to biology and attempt plant tissue culture techniques as a means of enhancing the natural abilities of Hymenocallis sp. to produce these bioactive alkaloids.