Experimental Models for Natural Products Design

The teaching aims to provide the main concepts on the use of biological models for the study of substances with pharmacological activity ranging from in vitro models (cell cultures, tissues) to ex vivo and animal model studies. Knowledge of the most suitable animal models for the study of pharmacological activities of natural products and statistical methods for proper interpretation of experimental results will be provided. In addition, the main concepts related to the therapeutic activities of plant-derived products will be provided, with a focus on clinical studies of plant products.

At the end of the course, students are expected to know and understand the main methodologies that are currently used to test in vitro and in vivo the effects of drugs and botanicals. Some of them are experimental methods currently available in classical pharmacology. Students will be expected to know therapeutic effects of medicinal plants and their active components, paying particular attention to human studies. In addition to therapeutic use of botanicals, students will understand the aspects underlying efficacy of botanicals and potential adverse effects which may occur (safety).