Phytopharmacy
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The two modules of course have specific and well-defined objectives.
The module of Therapeutic Activity of Plants will provide the student the knowledge of some important botanical drugs, of their active components, of galenic preparations and therapeutic application. The module also provides the student the bases to understand the quality and safety of herbal drugs, through the analysis of adverse reactions and of possible interactions derived from a concomitant use of herbal and conventional drugs. The final goal is to provide the basis for a proper and safe use of medicinal plants and their derivatives.
The module of Non-Conventional Medicines provides the student the bases to understand the theories of the most common complementary and alternative medicines that can be found in Italy, with a specific focus on placebo effect and on its involvement in therapy. A critical analysis of results will be obtained through the evaluation of scientific papers published on international journals. Some explanatory lessons will be held by experts in some of the therapeutic strategies included in the program.
The module of Therapeutic Activity of Plants will provide the student the knowledge of some important botanical drugs, of their active components, of galenic preparations and therapeutic application. The module also provides the student the bases to understand the quality and safety of herbal drugs, through the analysis of adverse reactions and of possible interactions derived from a concomitant use of herbal and conventional drugs. The final goal is to provide the basis for a proper and safe use of medicinal plants and their derivatives.
The module of Non-Conventional Medicines provides the student the bases to understand the theories of the most common complementary and alternative medicines that can be found in Italy, with a specific focus on placebo effect and on its involvement in therapy. A critical analysis of results will be obtained through the evaluation of scientific papers published on international journals. Some explanatory lessons will be held by experts in some of the therapeutic strategies included in the program.
Expected learning outcomes
Module of Therapeutic Activity of Plants: knowledge of some important botanical drugs, of their active components, of galenic preparations and therapeutic application. Knowledge of the procedures for evaluating the quality and safety of herbal drugs. Ability to critically analyze the information available through mass media about the use of medicinal plants and their derivatives.
Module of Non-Conventional Medicines: knowledge on the neurobiological mechanisms at the basis of placebo and nocebo effects and on their role in any pharmacological therapy. Knowledge of the principles at the basis of the most common complementary and alternative medicines (e.g., homeopathy, acupuncture, ozone therapy ). Ability to critically evaluate data included in scientific papers to understand the scientific bases (if any) of non-conventional approaches to cure.
Module of Non-Conventional Medicines: knowledge on the neurobiological mechanisms at the basis of placebo and nocebo effects and on their role in any pharmacological therapy. Knowledge of the principles at the basis of the most common complementary and alternative medicines (e.g., homeopathy, acupuncture, ozone therapy ). Ability to critically evaluate data included in scientific papers to understand the scientific bases (if any) of non-conventional approaches to cure.
Lesson period: year
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
year
Prerequisites for admission
Subjects taught in the PHARMACOLOGY AND PHARMACOTHERAPY preparatory course are mandatory
Assessment methods and Criteria
Module of Therapeutic Activity of Plants: the student must prepare a PowerPoint presentation on a scientific article proposed by the lecturer, and integrate it with information extracted from scientific material and digital sources presented in the course. The final evaluation consists in an oral examination, lasting approximately 20 minutes in which the student must present and discuss this scientific work. The student will need to demonstrate mastery and ability to show the knowledge learned, and reasoning skills in integrating the topics covered in class. The evaluation will be expressed in thirtieths.
Module of Non-Conventional Medicines: students must organize and discuss a PowerPoint presentation based on one or more scientific papers (downloaded from scientific databases as taught during the course) dealing with a specific topic discussed during lectures. The final mark (in thirtieths) will include the evaluation of classroom small group works.
Apart from the PowerPoint presentation, a multiple choice test of 7 questions on topics discussed during lectures will be mandatory for non-attending students who have not performed classroom work.
The final mark will consist of the arithmetic mean of the partial marks for the two modules.
The two tests can be undertaken separately but the whole examination must be concluded within 1 solar year from the positive evaluation of the first module, which otherwise will expire.
No limitations are present to attend lessons, but remember that to give the examination you must have included the course in your study plan. You can fill in your study plan starting from the fourth year following the deadlines and rules of the secretariat as published on this webpage https://www.unimi.it/it/node/122/. Please, refer to the myAriel website of the course for additional details.
Module of Non-Conventional Medicines: students must organize and discuss a PowerPoint presentation based on one or more scientific papers (downloaded from scientific databases as taught during the course) dealing with a specific topic discussed during lectures. The final mark (in thirtieths) will include the evaluation of classroom small group works.
Apart from the PowerPoint presentation, a multiple choice test of 7 questions on topics discussed during lectures will be mandatory for non-attending students who have not performed classroom work.
The final mark will consist of the arithmetic mean of the partial marks for the two modules.
The two tests can be undertaken separately but the whole examination must be concluded within 1 solar year from the positive evaluation of the first module, which otherwise will expire.
No limitations are present to attend lessons, but remember that to give the examination you must have included the course in your study plan. You can fill in your study plan starting from the fourth year following the deadlines and rules of the secretariat as published on this webpage https://www.unimi.it/it/node/122/. Please, refer to the myAriel website of the course for additional details.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF PLANTS
Course syllabus
Introduction to phytotherapy
· Definition of herbal medicine and herbal supplement
· Legislative aspects
· Main pharmaceutical forms
· Safety and drug interactions
Areas of therapeutic use of phytotherapy.
· Central nervous system disorders: anxiety, insomnia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease
· Respiratory system disorders: bronchial asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, flu
· Diseases of the cardiovascular system: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, venous circulation
· Digestive and gastrointestinal disorders, oral cavity inflammation, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea
· Pain and inflammation: arthritis and joint pain, headache and migraine
· Dermatology: inflammatory conditions and infections of the skin
· Integration and wellness: chronic fatigue, immune defense, memory and concentration
· Definition of herbal medicine and herbal supplement
· Legislative aspects
· Main pharmaceutical forms
· Safety and drug interactions
Areas of therapeutic use of phytotherapy.
· Central nervous system disorders: anxiety, insomnia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease
· Respiratory system disorders: bronchial asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, flu
· Diseases of the cardiovascular system: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, venous circulation
· Digestive and gastrointestinal disorders, oral cavity inflammation, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea
· Pain and inflammation: arthritis and joint pain, headache and migraine
· Dermatology: inflammatory conditions and infections of the skin
· Integration and wellness: chronic fatigue, immune defense, memory and concentration
Teaching methods
Classroom-taught lessons with the help of teaching material (slides) and digital tools (such as Wooclap) to improve interactive learning. A guided tour at the Brera Botanical Garden will be organized, to analyze some of the medicinal plants discussed during lessons.
Teaching Resources
- Slides from lessons and other documents will be available through the myAriel website
- Fitoterapia. Impiego razionale delle droghe vegetali. F Capasso, G Grandolini, AA Izzo. Springer (latest edition)
- Fitoterapia. Impiego razionale delle droghe vegetali. F Capasso, G Grandolini, AA Izzo. Springer (latest edition)
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES
Course syllabus
· Introduction
· Placebo effect and clinical studies
· Ozonetherapy
· Homeopathy
· Traditional Chinese Medicine
· Acupuncture
· Traditional Chinese Phytotherapy
· Aromatherapy
· The microbiome as a non-conventional therapeutic target
Clinicians experts in homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine will share their everyday experience with the use of complementary and alternative medicines.
· Placebo effect and clinical studies
· Ozonetherapy
· Homeopathy
· Traditional Chinese Medicine
· Acupuncture
· Traditional Chinese Phytotherapy
· Aromatherapy
· The microbiome as a non-conventional therapeutic target
Clinicians experts in homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine will share their everyday experience with the use of complementary and alternative medicines.
Teaching methods
Classroom-taught lessons. For each main topic reliable scientific information will be searched and discussed during small group work in the classroom.
Teaching Resources
Slides from lessons will be available through the MyARIEL website
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Ceruti Stefania Maria
THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF PLANTS
BIO/14 - PHARMACOLOGY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Fumagalli Marta
Professor(s)