Learning objectives
Pharmacognosy class is a parte of the Plant Biology/Pharmacognosy course. Its aim is to provide students knowledge and understanding on the technological process, the origin of the drugs, the chemistry of the active compounds and the pharmacological activity and the therapeutic applications of drugs.
Prerequisites
Anatomy, animal and plant biology
Course unit content
First part: introduction to pharmacognosy and preparation od drugs.
Second part: phytochemistry
Third part: therapeutical applications of drugs.
Full programme
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
-proteins: enzymes.
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, 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
Teaching methods
Oral lessons will be accompanied by online bibliographic reseach, in the attempt to provide students knoweldge on specific database, where information on drugs can be obatined.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination, to be performed together with Plant Biology, will allow to ascertain whether students achieve adequate knowledge and understanding.