Teaching code

4S011744

Teacher

Stefano Negri

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

BIO/15 - PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY

Period

Primo semestre 2026/2027 dal Oct 5, 2026 al Dec 23, 2026.

Courses Single

Not Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The teaching is aimed at acquiring knowledge and understanding the use of phytotherapeutic preparations in therapy, dosages and pharmaceutical forms, their therapeutic prescription and precautions in their use.
By applying the skills acquired, the student must be able to evaluate the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of human pathologies.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Preparatory courses for the Phytotherapy exam: Plant Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany; Pharmacology and Toxicology

Program

General Part - The Basics of Phytotherapy and its Rational Use:
- Introduction to Phytoretherapy: History and Evolution of the Relationship between Plants and Health
- The Discovery of Plant Species with Medicinal Properties: From Ethnobotany to Bioprospecting
- Reminders of Pharmacognosy and the Production Chain of Medicinal and Officinal Plants: From Plant to Drug
- From Drug to Phytocomplex: Extractive Processes for Obtaining Plant Preparations and the Importance of Standardization
- The Difference Between Synthetic Drug, Herbal Drug, and Bioactive Phytocomplexes
- Outline of Techniques for Studying the Chemical Composition of Plant Preparations and Their Biological Activity
- The Application of Evidence-Based Phytotherapy
- Regulatory Context and Market Place of Plant Products for Health Use
- Reference Sources for the Preparation and Use of Herbal Products (European Pharmacopoeia, EMA Monographs, etc.)
Special Part - Phytotherapy for the Regulation of Functions and Treatment of Pathologies in the Main Body Districts:
- Nervous System
- cardiovascular system
- gastrointestinal system
- respiratory system
- urogenital system
- immune system
- liver function
- stress and phytotherapy of plants with adaptogenic action
- phytotherapy for the treatment of chronic pain
- phytotherapy for sexual function in women and men
Further insights:
- main interactions between phytotherapeutics, drugs and foods
- phytovigilance and case studies relevant to the safety of plant products
- phytotherapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- notes on gemmotherapy, mycotherapy and aromatherapy
- notes on phytocosmetics

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Lectures with multimedia presentations, active learning activities using real-time interactive response systems, discussion of case studies, and in-depth study of the scientific literature.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam will consist of a written test with open-ended questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and multiple-choice quizzes. In certain cases, the instructor reserves the right to proceed with an oral exam.

Evaluation criteria

The evaluation of the student's preparation will be based on: 1. understanding of the topics covered in class; 2. clarity and appropriateness of expression; 3. the ability to approach the acquired knowledge regarding the use of phytotherapy in their profession in a specific, critical, and informed manner. Specifically, the student will demonstrate knowledge not only of the specific characteristics of plant-based products, but also of the tools necessary for quality assessment, critical decision-making, and rational advice.

Exam language

Italiano

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