From Folk Medicines to Therapeutic Drugs by Dr. Akiko Tanaka, president, and co-founder of The Tampa Bay Research Institute (TBRI). TBRI has spent over 40 years investigating the relationship between viruses, cancers, and the functioning of the immune system. As a result of our research, TBRI has uncovered the details of the healing properties of an ancient folk medicine – an extract of pinecones. Our on-going studies have now brought forth new synthetic molecules that are being developed into lifesaving immune-altering therapeutics.