Learning objectives
Pharmacognosy class is a part 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
The following exams are highly recommended: 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. Toxicity.
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.
Phytochemisty and secondary metabolic pathways
VEGETAL ACTIVE PRINCIPLES:
- carbohydrates: mono/polysacchrides, starch, cellulose, gums, mucilages, pectins, destrans, inulin
- glycosides (cardioactive, cyanogenics, sulphurated, antraquinones, saponins).
- alkaloids: purinergics, tropanics, benzylisoquinolics, indolics, quinolinics.
- lipids: oils, fats, waxes. Omega-3 (atherosclerosis) and omega-6 fatty acids
- essential oils
-proteins: enzymes.
THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Drugs acting on gastrointestinal system
- Aloe spp, Matricaria recutita, Althaea officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum
vulgare, Pimpinella anisum, Illicium verum, Pimpinella Anisum, Ilicium Anisatum, Zingiber officinalis
- Constipation: manna, Rhamnus frangula, Rhamnus purshiana, Cassia spp, Aloe
spp, Rheum spp., aloe spp.
Drugs acting on CNS
- Stimolants: Coffea arabica, Thea sinensis, Theobroma cacao, Cola spp, Ilex
paraguayensis, Paullinia cupana
-Sedative: Valeriana officinalis, Piper methysticum, Passiflora incarnata, Melissa officinalis, humulus lupulus
-antidepressant; Hypericum perforatum
Drugs acting on cardiovascular system
- Antihyperlipidemic plants: Cynara scolimus, Allium sativum, Vaccinium myrtillus,
Commiphora mukulm
- 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, Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Myroxylon pereire, Myroxylon balsamum.
- mucilages: Althaea officinalis.
Drugs active on immune system:
- aloe spp., Eleuterococcus senticosus Maxim, Uncaria tomentosa, Astragalus membranaceus Fisch, Echinacea spp.
Bibliography
M.Tognolini, M.Chiavarini - Principi di Farmacognosia e Fitoterapia - UNINOVA
G. Fassina, E. Ragazzi-Lezione di Farmacognosia Droghe vegetali- CEDAM
F. Firenzuoli- Fitoterapia, guida all'uso delle piante medicinali- MASSON
P.M. Dewick- Chimica, biosintesi e bioattività delle sostanze naturali- Ed PICCIN
Teaching methods
Oral lessons will be accompanied by online bibliographic reseach during the classes, 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 (as single exam), will allows to ascertain whether students achieve adequate knowledge and understanding.
