Poisonous Plants and Allergens
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to study poisonous plants and the compounds responsible for their toxic activity. In particular, the course will deal with the mode of action through which plant cause toxicity. Moreover, the last part of the course will be devoted to the study of a variety of plant allergens and their effects in humans.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to know and understand the toxic effects the mode of action of poisonous plants and their toxic components, paying particular attention to human studies. Moreover, students will be able to find, where available, possible therapeutic strategies for the treatment of toxicity.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
General part: the concept of poison, why plants are toxic and produce toxic compounds. The importance of the mode of administration. Factors influencing the seriousness of poisoning. Mechanisms of toxicity: examples. How man could manage toxic plants: curari, plants containing saponins, dietary plants which may be toxic in particular conditions or if not correctly managed (Solanum spp., Prunus spp. etc.). Idiosyncrasy and favism. Toxicity of plants due to confusion in harvesting: hemlock (Conium maculatum) and water hemlock (Cicuta virosa). Adulterations: gentiana versus white hellebore (Gentiana lutea vs. Veratrum album), white hellebore versus valerian (Veratrum album vs. Valeriana officinalis), borage versus mandrake (Borago officinalis vs. Mandragora spp.). Toxicity linked to abuse. Toxicity due to adverse effects: interactions with drugs or other natural compounds: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), grapefruit juice. Special part: alkaloids: definition, classification and their possible toxicity. Tropanic alkaloids and anticolinergic syndrome: deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and atropine. Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), jimson weed (Datura stramonium). Mandrake. The experience of the Poison centre Niguarda. Other toxic alkaloids: aconitine from Monkshood plant (Aconitum napellus), delphinin from Delphinium spp.
Ma huang (Ephedra spp.) and ephedrine. Adverse effects of synephrine from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Cathinones. Phototoxicity: definition, mechanisms and classes of molecule exerting phototoxic activity. Furanocoumarins in plants from Rutaceae and Umbelliferae Family. Phototoxicity of hypericin and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Irritant activity from natural compounds: phorbol from manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella), purgin croton (Croton tiglium). Plants showing hepatotoxic effects: germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) and neo-clerodane diterpenes. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Essential oils and toxicity. House plants and toxicity. Allergens and allergic reactions to natural products. Hypersensibility, factors influencing atopic allergy. Tests. Aloe spp., Hennè, contact dermatitis. Allergic reactions due to inappropriate use of essential oils. Cardiac glycosides.
Ma huang (Ephedra spp.) and ephedrine. Adverse effects of synephrine from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). Cathinones. Phototoxicity: definition, mechanisms and classes of molecule exerting phototoxic activity. Furanocoumarins in plants from Rutaceae and Umbelliferae Family. Phototoxicity of hypericin and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Irritant activity from natural compounds: phorbol from manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella), purgin croton (Croton tiglium). Plants showing hepatotoxic effects: germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) and neo-clerodane diterpenes. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Essential oils and toxicity. House plants and toxicity. Allergens and allergic reactions to natural products. Hypersensibility, factors influencing atopic allergy. Tests. Aloe spp., Hennè, contact dermatitis. Allergic reactions due to inappropriate use of essential oils. Cardiac glycosides.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no mandatory propedeutic exams. Students who attended the course of Pharmacology are particularly welcomed.
Teaching methods
During the course, in addition to the classic lectures using slides (uploaded on the MyAriel website dedicated to the course), a visit to the Botanical Garden Museum of Brera (Milan) will be organized. Visit is not mandatory. The Museum contains many medicinal plants. In this way, students will be able to view and study in detail the morphology and drugs of the poisonous plants present in Orto Botanico di Brera. Attendance of the course is recommended, if possible.
Teaching Resources
Books which may be consulted by students:
Giovanni Appendino et al., Piante velenose, Editore Araba Fenice.
Giancarlo Bulgarelli et al., Le piante tossiche e velenose, Edizioni HOEPLI.
Elisabeth A. Dauncey, Sonny Larsson: Piante che uccidono. Ricca Editore. It's possible to download all the material used for lessons, including all the slides used during the course through the access to the following site (Ariel) Books which may be consulted by students:
Giovanni Appendino et al., Piante velenose, Editore Araba Fenice.
Giancarlo Bulgarelli et al., Le piante tossiche e velenose, Edizioni HOEPLI.
Elisabeth A. Dauncey, Sonny Larsson: Piante che uccidono. Ricca Editore. It's possible to download all the material used for lessons, including all the slides used during the course through the access to the following site (MyAriel)
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=3625
Giovanni Appendino et al., Piante velenose, Editore Araba Fenice.
Giancarlo Bulgarelli et al., Le piante tossiche e velenose, Edizioni HOEPLI.
Elisabeth A. Dauncey, Sonny Larsson: Piante che uccidono. Ricca Editore. It's possible to download all the material used for lessons, including all the slides used during the course through the access to the following site (Ariel) Books which may be consulted by students:
Giovanni Appendino et al., Piante velenose, Editore Araba Fenice.
Giancarlo Bulgarelli et al., Le piante tossiche e velenose, Edizioni HOEPLI.
Elisabeth A. Dauncey, Sonny Larsson: Piante che uccidono. Ricca Editore. It's possible to download all the material used for lessons, including all the slides used during the course through the access to the following site (MyAriel)
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=3625
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination grade is expressed in thirtieths (18-30). The exam consists of a brief oral conversation (around 25 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 assessment covers a range of values as follows: form 18 to 21/30 if sufficient preparation is demonstrated; 22-26/30 if the student shows a good knowledge of the topics covered; 27-30/30 if the student demonstrates an excellent knowledge of all the topics covered, and excellent exposition skills. The "laude" will be awarded to those who demonstrate to possess, in addition to excellent knowledge of the subjects and excellent exhibition skills, the additional ability to deepen the topics matter of the teaching.
The last lesson will be devoted, at least in part, to discuss questions and answers that could be potentially requested during the exam.
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 assessment covers a range of values as follows: form 18 to 21/30 if sufficient preparation is demonstrated; 22-26/30 if the student shows a good knowledge of the topics covered; 27-30/30 if the student demonstrates an excellent knowledge of all the topics covered, and excellent exposition skills. The "laude" will be awarded to those who demonstrate to possess, in addition to excellent knowledge of the subjects and excellent exhibition skills, the additional ability to deepen the topics matter of the teaching.
The last lesson will be devoted, at least in part, to discuss questions and answers that could be potentially requested during the exam.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Please contact via email to arrange a meeting
Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti"