85151 - Medicinal Plants and Food Supplements

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires the ability to operate in phytotherapy with old and modern knowledge on some issues of medicinal plants most used in the herbal sector, in accordance with current regulations.

Course contents

Introduction to the course:

What is pharmacognosy, herbal products for health;

A look at the past;

What are gemmotherapy, aromatherapy, flower therapy, TCM, mycotherapy, Ayurveda, homeopathy

Classification of biologically active substances of plant origin:

Terpenes, Phenols, Alkaloids, Sulfur Compounds and Plant Hydrocolloids;

Quality control of herbal drugs;

Vegetable preparations and safety of use;

Pharmacological interactions between herbal drugs and conventional drugs

Phytovigilance

Problems of the digestive organs and metabolism and related plants for treatment:

oral cavity disorders; dyspepsia; constipation and diarrhea; irritable bowel syndrome; chronic inflammatory bowel diseases;

hepatoprotectors; choleretics and cholagogues;

hyperlipidemia; hyperglycemia; overweight and obesity;

water retention;

anxiety and insomnia; brain stimulants and adaptogens;

hypertension; chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids.

In addition:
Longevity food: blood oranges, chocolate, green tea and black tea
Protective food: garlic, aromatic herbs, oil seeds, nuts

Readings/Bibliography

Texts that can be used as a consultation and in-depth study, but not necessary for the course:

Maugini E. , Maleci Bini L., Mariotti Lippi M. Botanica farmaceutica , Piccin editore, Padova, IX edizione. 2014. 

Poli F., a cura di, Biologia farmaceutica: biologia vegetale, botanica farmaceutica, fitochimica. 2019 Pearson Italia, Milano.

Teaching methods

Front lessons will be performed with Power Point slides and projector.

Since no comprehensive program text is available, classroom attendance is important for the correct understanding of the program and the individual topics.

Assessment methods

Learning is verified through the final exam which consists of a written test lasting 60 minutes followed by an oral test.

The written test will include 20 multiple choice questions individually rated 0.85 (wrong answers worth zero, missed answers worth zero); 2 monographs among those covered in class, rated from 1 to 4; dissertation on a supplement formulation or packaging rated from 1 to 5.

All three parts must be completed in order to be corrected, if the task is missing one of the parts it will not be corrected.

All students who have obtained a minimum grade of 18 in the written exam (grading scale 18-30L, but the oral test will be mandatory only if the written grade is less than 25) will access the oral exam.

The oral test is inspired by the written test and will continue at the discretion of the teacher to verify the student's preparation.

Registration for the exam must take place via the Almaesami website.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Calandriello