Ethnopharmacology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is the study of ethnopharmacology, the science that deals with evaluating the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of traditional remedies, through the use of modern pharmacological methods.
Ethnopharmacology is based on a multidisciplinary approach that combines science and tradition, with the aim of analyzing the biological properties of plants and preparations, both toxic and beneficial, in specific geographical and cultural contexts. One of the purposes of ethnopharmacology is the conscious and safe use of plants and their preparations, with consequences that include the environmental and economic sustainability of these remedies, often characterized by a confined use in regions with limited economic resources.
The course will describe the main products of plant origin divided by geographical/cultural areas, briefly recalling botanical, phytochemical and traditional uses. In particular, the major scientific evidence and, where possible, the recognized mechanisms of action will be reported.
Ethnopharmacology is based on a multidisciplinary approach that combines science and tradition, with the aim of analyzing the biological properties of plants and preparations, both toxic and beneficial, in specific geographical and cultural contexts. One of the purposes of ethnopharmacology is the conscious and safe use of plants and their preparations, with consequences that include the environmental and economic sustainability of these remedies, often characterized by a confined use in regions with limited economic resources.
The course will describe the main products of plant origin divided by geographical/cultural areas, briefly recalling botanical, phytochemical and traditional uses. In particular, the major scientific evidence and, where possible, the recognized mechanisms of action will be reported.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the students are expected to know the main plant resources, traditionally used in humans. Furthermore, they must be able to identify the distributions of these resources and describe the traditional therapeutic uses supported by the greatest scientific evidence, recognizing the benefits and limitations of these preparations.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course includes the development of the following topics:
Ethnopharmacology: The Fundamental Challenges
Quantitative and Comparative Methods in Ethnopharmacology
Materia medica and cultural consensus
Pharmacological research
Biodiversity, Conservation and Ethnopharmacology
Ecopharmacognosy: wild harvesting and conservation
Indigenous community rights and traditional knowledge
Traditional herbal remedies as a source of antimalarial lead compounds
Ethnopharmacology, regional perspectives:
- Ethnopharmacology in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East
- Sub-Sahara African Ethnopharmacology
- Ayurveda: the Indian system of medicine
- Chinese Medicine: concepts and complexities
- Ethnopharmacology in Australia and Oceania
- Ethnopharmacology in Central and South America
Ethnopharmacology: The Fundamental Challenges
Quantitative and Comparative Methods in Ethnopharmacology
Materia medica and cultural consensus
Pharmacological research
Biodiversity, Conservation and Ethnopharmacology
Ecopharmacognosy: wild harvesting and conservation
Indigenous community rights and traditional knowledge
Traditional herbal remedies as a source of antimalarial lead compounds
Ethnopharmacology, regional perspectives:
- Ethnopharmacology in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East
- Sub-Sahara African Ethnopharmacology
- Ayurveda: the Indian system of medicine
- Chinese Medicine: concepts and complexities
- Ethnopharmacology in Australia and Oceania
- Ethnopharmacology in Central and South America
Prerequisites for admission
There are no propedeutic exams. Students who attended the courses of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy are particularly welcomed.
Teaching methods
Use of slides and ppt. for conventional lessons
Teaching Resources
Book which may be consulted by students:
Heinrich M. Jäger A.K., Ethnopharmacology, Editore Wiley 2015.
Accessing to the course-related Ariel site, it will be possible to download all the material used for lessons, including all the slides used during the course.
Heinrich M. Jäger A.K., Ethnopharmacology, Editore Wiley 2015.
Accessing to the course-related Ariel site, it will be possible to download all the material used for lessons, including all the slides used during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral exam will examine in depth preparation of the candidate including knowledge acquired and ability of presentation. During the exam, three questions will be asked; to pass the exam, it is necessary to adequately answer to at least two of the three questions.
Professor(s)