Pharmacological Activities of Substances of Natural Origin
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the main notions on the therapeutic efficacy of products of natural origin: from the knowledge of the active ingredients to the molecular mechanisms involved. The plants most used in phytotherapy will be described, with particular attention to the related clinical studies. The course will provide indications for the correct use of herbal products, both in terms of quality and safety.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to know the main products of plant origin used in phytotherapy and the mechanisms underlying their clinical efficacy in humans. Furthermore, students will be expected to recognize the aspects that condition the efficacy and safety of a product of natural origin.
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:
Products of natural origin: introduction, definition, and history of pharmacognosy and phytotherapy. Concept of medicinal plant, drugs, active ingredients, drugs organized and not organized; the Pharmacopoeias.
· Phytocomplex: chemical and pharmacological properties (interactions between components).
· Variability factors of the content of active principles: endogenous and exogenous factors.
· Identification of a drug: macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, some examples.
· Overview on extraction systems for herbal drugs and their characteristics.
· Quality controls on herbal drugs.
· Sophistication, adulteration, falsification, alteration
· Preservation of Drug: freeze-drying, drying of crude drugs, stabilization, contamination
The drug safety: risk, toxicity, and possible adverse reactions. The presence of potential toxic components in plant.
Basic knowledge of the main classes of active ingredients form plants: alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes (including essential oils), gums, mucilage, lignans.
- Notions of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;
- Interaction of medicinal plants with drugs or food;
- Analysis of medicinal plants for the gastroenteric system, for the respiratory system, for the cardiovascular system, for the liver and bile ducts, anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for diuresis, and for the therapy of diabetes.
Products of natural origin: introduction, definition, and history of pharmacognosy and phytotherapy. Concept of medicinal plant, drugs, active ingredients, drugs organized and not organized; the Pharmacopoeias.
· Phytocomplex: chemical and pharmacological properties (interactions between components).
· Variability factors of the content of active principles: endogenous and exogenous factors.
· Identification of a drug: macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, some examples.
· Overview on extraction systems for herbal drugs and their characteristics.
· Quality controls on herbal drugs.
· Sophistication, adulteration, falsification, alteration
· Preservation of Drug: freeze-drying, drying of crude drugs, stabilization, contamination
The drug safety: risk, toxicity, and possible adverse reactions. The presence of potential toxic components in plant.
Basic knowledge of the main classes of active ingredients form plants: alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes (including essential oils), gums, mucilage, lignans.
- Notions of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;
- Interaction of medicinal plants with drugs or food;
- Analysis of medicinal plants for the gastroenteric system, for the respiratory system, for the cardiovascular system, for the liver and bile ducts, anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for diuresis, and for the therapy of diabetes.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no propedeutic exams. Students who attended the courses of Pharmacology are particularly welcomed.
Teaching methods
Use of slides and ppt. for conventional lessons
Teaching Resources
-Accessing to the course-related Ariel site, all the material used for lessons, including all the slides used during the course, will be available for download.
- Scientific literature provided by the teacher
- Mazzanti, Dell'Agli, Izzo. Farmacognosia e Fitoterapia: basi farmacologiche e aspetti applicativi. Piccin Editore. 2020.
- Scientific literature provided by the teacher
- Mazzanti, Dell'Agli, Izzo. Farmacognosia e Fitoterapia: basi farmacologiche e aspetti applicativi. Piccin Editore. 2020.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination grade is expressed in thirtieths. The exam consists of a brief oral conversation (around 20 minutes).
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.
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)