VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Evidence Based Phytotherapy
Rationale Phytotherapie an ausgewählten Beispielen
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:14:54
Abstract
Based on epidemiology, economic importance and evidence-based medicine, basic principles of rational phytotherapy will be discussed: a) Identification of drug candidates, b) registration requirements, c) criteria to assess efficacy, d) biomarkers and pharmacokinetics, e) safety and f) principles of extract generation. Important prototypes will be discussed
Objective
Students should learn the importance of rational (= evidence-based) pharmacotherapy with herbal extracts. They should know the most important aspects of herbal medicinal products: How are interesting development candidates identified. What are the strategies? What are the regulatory requirements (Traditional use, well-established use, new herbal entities)? Efficacy determination (animal/human studies, biomarkers). Quality of clinical studies Pharmacokinetics Safety (toxicity, adverse effects, interactions) Pharmaceutical quality Variability within medicinal plant species – impact on quality Origin of plant material (wild collections, cultivation) Ensuring consistent quality Which extraction methods? By way of example, the following important plants or products are presented and critically discussed (s. program below)
Content
1) 20.09.2023 Introduction : Quality of medicinal plant, finished products, monographs (Commission E, ESCOP, HMPC), differences in terms of registration status and requirements: traditional use, well established use and new herbal entities; extracts, quality medicinal drugs. 2) 27.9.2023: Phases of clinical development, basic concepts of evidence-based medicine. Hypericum perforatum 3) 04.10.2023 Echinacea, Pelargonium; Rhodiola 4) 11.10.2023 NO FACE-TO-FACE LECTURE (lecure will be pre-recorded) Lavandula oleum; Cimicifuga (Actea) racemosa 5) 18.10.2023: Phytotherapy for functional intestinal disorders; Serenoa repens. 6) 25.10.2023: Cannabis sativa, Silybum marianum 7) 01.11.2023: Exam (Multiple Choice). The selection of plants may be subject to change.
Resources
Lecture Notes
The scripts will be sent to the participants via email before the respective lectures
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Rationale Phytotherapie an ausgewählten Beispielen |
|
1 h weekly |