00118 - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

The course of Molecular Basis of Active Phytocomplexes is devoted to the study of: physico-chemical characteristics of the biological interaction and mechanism of action of some naturally-occuring active principles from phytocomplexes.

Course contents

Medicinal Chemistry. Course Content  (Prof. M. Roberti 3 CF)

Definition of a therapeutic active principle. Definition of molecular target.

Physicochemical properties of therapeutic active principles and their effects on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic phases. Ionisation, acidity, basicity. Partition coefficient. Distribution coefficient. Chemical bonds involved in the interaction between therapeutic active principle and molecular target. Metabolic transformations. Oxidative Reactions, Hydrolytic Reactions, Reductive Reactions. Phase II or Conjugation reactions.

Examples regarding phytocomplex active principles. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of Opium active principles. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of Cannabis active principles. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of Huperzine A and Galantamine. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of Harpagophytum procumbens active principles.

 

Molecular Basis of the Activity of Phytocomplex. Course Content  (M. Masetti PhD. 3 CF)

Definition of active principles and phytocomplex. Phytotherapy. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of bioflavonoids. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of phytoestrogens.

Chemical structures and mechanism of action of polyphenols. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of curcumin and capsaicin. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of coumarins. Chemical structures and mechanism of action of saponinsandof terpenes.  Chemical structures and mechanism of action of the active principles containedin: Dandelion, Passion Flower, Hawthorn, Sage, Feverfew, Valerian, Ginger, Astragalus, Aloe, St. John's Wort, Garlic, Chamomile, Echinacea, Griffonia, Uncaria.

Readings/Bibliography

G.L. PATRICK Introduzione alla Chimica Farmaceutica
EdiSES, Napoli, 2010

G. GRECO Farmacocinetica e Farmacodinamica su Basi Chimico-Fisiche
Loghìa, Napoli, 2007

P. M. Dewick - Piccin Editore  Chimica, biosintesi e bioattività delle sostanze naturali

2/ed.- Edizione italiana a cura di Ernesto Fattorusso Piccin Editore, 2012

W.H. Brown, "Organic Chemistry", III ed (or subsequent), Cengage Learning, , 2005

Teaching methods

Lectures in class.

Assessment methods

The final verification of learning is done orally.

Teaching tools

All the teaching program wiil be explained by PC Powerpoint presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Masetti

See the website of Marinella Roberti