Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities of Naturally Occurring Substances

The aim of the course is to provide the main notions on the therapeutic efficacy and toxicology of products of natural origin: from the knowledge of the active ingredients to the molecular mechanisms involved. For therapeutic efficacy, basic notions about medicinal plants and the main classes of active principles will be presented. Additionally, the most commonly used plants in phytotherapy will be described, with particular attention to associated clinical studies. The course will provide indications for the correct use of herbal products, both in terms of quality and safety. The main toxic effects of some substances of natural origin will be addressed, with an in-depth study of the mechanisms of toxicity and the toxic effects on humans. New methodological approaches (NAMs), alternatives to the use of animals, will also be described in order to evaluate the toxicity of natural substances.

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. The student will be able to describe the toxic effects, the related mechanisms of toxicity and the experimental approaches available to evaluate the toxicity of the compounds of natural origin treated during the course.