31577 - Molecular Basis of Active Phytocomplexes

Academic Year 2010/2011

  • Docente: Alberto Chiarini
  • Credits: 4
  • SSD: CHIM/08
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences (cod. 0914)

Learning outcomes

The course of Molecular Basis of Active Phytocomplexes is devoted to the study of:  a) Physico-chemical  characteristics of the biological interaction of  medicinal plant active  phytocomplexes; b) Biosynthesis and  mechanism of action of  some naturally-occuring active principles from phytocomplexes.

Course contents

Naturally-occuring active principles of phytocomplexes-target interactions: description of different chemical bonds involved in. Examples.
Illustration of the principal biosynthetic pathways: acetate, shikimic and mevalonic acids.
Biosynthesis, mechanism and site of action, therapeutic use of some naturally-occuring functional principles from phytocomplexes.
Classification and structure of naturally-occuring etherosides.

Readings/Bibliography

P.M. DEWICK, Chimica, Biosintesi e Bioattività delle Sostanze Naturali, Piccin ed. Padova, 2001.
M. PEDRETTI, Chimica e Farmacologia delle Piante Medicinali, Studio ed. Milano.

G.SAMUELSSON, Drugs of Natural Origins - A textbook in Pharmacognosy,  5th edition, 2004, Apotekarsocieteten.

OMS: monographs of medicinal plants. Vol. I Italian Society of Phytotherapy, Siena, 2002.


Lesson notes.

Teaching methods

During the lessons all the subjects of the course program will be treated.

Assessment methods

A comprehensive final oral exam is given at the end of the course.

Teaching tools

Video-projector ( Power Point presentation), projector for trasparencies.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Chiarini