Learning objectives
To give the basic notions about
- the technological process
- the origin of the drugs
- the chemistry of the active compounds
- the pharmacological activity and the therapeutic applications of drugs
Course unit content
GENERALITIES
Medicinal plant and crude drug.
Phytocomplex and active compounds. Interactions.
Toxicity of natural preparations.
Basics of general pharmacology: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
Traditional medicine and phytotherapy.
Technology of natural medical products:
- harvesting, drying, grinding, squeezing, enfleurage, distillation, extraction.
Drug acquisition and preservation.
Galenical preparations.
VEGETAL ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
- glycosides (cardioactive, cyanogenics, sulphurated, antraquinones, saponins).
- alkaloids: purinergics, tropanics, benzylisoquinolics, indolics, quinolinics.
- lipids: oils, fats, waxes.
- phenilpropanoids: flavonoids, lignans, tannins.
- terpenes: essences, resins, balms.
- carbohydrates: mono/polysacchrides, gums, mucilages, pectins.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Drugs acting on gastrointestinal system
- Aloe spp, Matricaria recutita, Althaea officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum
vulgare, Pimpinella anisum, Illicium verum.
- Constipation: manna, Rhamnus frangula, Rhamnus purshiana, Cassia spp, Aloe
spp, Rheum spp.
Drugs acting on CNS
- Stimolants: Coffea arabica, Thea sinensis, Theobroma cacao, Cola spp, Ilex
paraguayensis, Paullinia cupana
Drugs acting on cardiovascular system
- Antihyperlipidemic plants: Cynara scolimus, Allium sativum, Vaccinium myrtillus,
Commiphora mukul.
- Peripheral vascular disorders : Aesculus hippocastanum, Cupressus
sempervirens, Hamamelis virginiana, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ruscus aculeatus
Drugs acting on respiratory system
- saponins: Hedera helix, Poligala senega.
- essences: Eucaliptus globulus, Melaleuca spp, Menta piperita, Lavandula
officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myroxylon pereire, Myroxylon balsamum.
- mucilages: Plantago lanceolata, Althaea officinalis.
Bibliography
M.Tognolini, M.Chiavarini - Principi di Farmacognosia e Fitoterapia - UNINOVA
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination, to be performed together with Plant Biology
