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Pharmaceutical Biology I
Pharmazeutische Biologie I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:05:21
Abstract
The lecture discusses medicinal plants and herbal medicines and their common medical uses. Topics addressed are (a) structure and biosynthesis of plant-derived natural products, (b) pharmacological effects/therapeutic applications of biogenic drugs of plant origin (herbal medicines/isolated natural products), and (c) the molecular basis of the pharmacological effects of medicinal plant extracts.
Objective
The understanding of the biosynthesis of plant-derived natural products. Acquisition of fundamental knowledge on the medical application of important herbal medicines and of isolated natural products (general indication areas, molecular constituents of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in general, molecular constituents responsible for pharmacological activity, possible mechanisms of action, available clinical data to support medical use).
Content
The lecture is centered around the discussion of medicinal plants and herbal medicines and their common medical applications. The main areas addressed in the lecture are (a) the structure and biosynthesis of herbal constituents (i.e. plant-derived natural products) and (b) the pharmacological effects and therapeutic applications of biogenic drugs of plant origin (herbal medicines based on plant extracts as well as isolated natural products). The basic pathways for the biosynthesis of the most important classes of plant-derived natural products are discussed in detail. Likewise the discussion of the molecular basis of the pharmacological effects of medicinal plant extracts (and derived herbal medicines) and their individual constituent components (isolated natural products) is broadly addressed. As part of this discussion the availability of clinical data (or lack thereof) to support specific clinical applications of herbal medicines will be repeatedly highlighted. Potential risks associated with the use of herbal medicines will be discussed for selected cases. The lecture is structured according to the major classes of the molecular constituents of medicinal plants and herbal medicines: Carbohydrates, lipids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, essential oils.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Will be provided in parts before each individual lecture. (Paper copies as well as electronic version).
Literature
- R. Hänsel, O. Sticher, Pharmakognosie - Phytopharmazie, 7. Auflage, Springer-Verlag, 2003. - H. Rimpler, Biogene Arzneistoffe, 2. Auflage, Deutscher Apothekerverlag, 1999. - T. Dingermann, K. Hiller, G. Schneider, I. Zündorf, Schneider -Arzneidrogen, 5. Auflage, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 2004.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Pharmazeutische Biologie I |
|
2 h weekly |