FITOTERAPIA - ALIMENTAZIONE E NUTRIZIONE UMANA

Academic Year 2016/2017 - 3° Year - Curriculum Scienze Erboristiche e dei Prodotti Nutraceutici

Learning Objectives

• Phytotherapy

  Aim of this course is to provide a specific knowledge of the clinical efficacy and side effects of the pharmacological and toxicological properties including both indications and contraindications of herbal medicines used for the treatment of human diseases. The herbalist working in medical settings, private practice, or other settings should know not only the most recent approaches in the field of phytotherapy, but also the most relevant drug interactions between herbs and drugs.

Detailed Course Content

• Phytotherapy

  Principles of herbal pharmacology and definition of a therapeutic active principle

  General characteristics of herbal medicines and the concept of phytocomplex, differences with synthetic drugs, side effects of the pharmacological and toxicological properties including both indications and contraindications of herbal medicines.

  Phytotherapic treatments for disorders of the central nervous system: Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Kava, Humulus lupulus L., Hypericum perforatum, Hyperzia serrata, Gingko Biloba, Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis.

  Herbal medicines used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: Crataegus spp, Aesculus hippocastanum L., Ruscus aculeatis L., Ginkgo biloba L., Centella asiatica L., Vitis vinifera. Nutraceuticals: omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, B12 and the treatment of hyperomocyteinemia.

  Phytotherapic treatments of metabolic diseases: Allium sativum, Cynara Scolymus, Oryza sativa, Trigonella foenum-grecum, Commiphora mukul, gommaguar, Garcinia cambogia.

  Herbal medicines used for the treatment of urogenital diseases: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.), Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Solidago virgaurea L., Cynodon dactylon L., Equisetum sp., Agropyron repens, Petroselinum crispum, Levisticum officinale.

  Phytotherapic treatments for inflammation: Salix alba L., Spirea olmaria L., Harpagophytum procumbens.

  Phytotherapic treatments of respiratory diseases: Ephedra sinica, Gingko biloba, Ligusticum wallichii,Solanum-related herbal medicines, Boswellia serrata, Hedera helix. Polygala senega, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Thymus vulgaris L., Verbascum sp., Polygola sp. Primula veris. Picea e Abies, Melaleuca viridiflora.

  Herbal medicines with immunomodulatory action: Panax Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Echinacea.

  Herbal medicines used for the treatment of digestive diseases: Aloe vera, Altea officinalis L.,Cassia angustifolia Mill., Rhamnus frangula L., Plantagus psyllium, Cassia Swenna, Rheum palmatum,. Agar, Cyamopsis Tetragonolobus. Potentilla, Herbal medicines containing tannins, Mentha piperita. For hepatic disorders: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn, Cynara cardunculus L., Phyllantus, Sophora flavescens, Curcuma domestica, Glycyrrhiza glabra.

  Herbal medicines and endocrine system: Phytoestrogens, Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus castus L. Glycine soya L., Pygeum africanum Hook. F., Serenoa repens (W.Bartram) Small.

  Herbal medicines used for the treatment of cutaneous diseases: in particular Aloe Vera Echinacea sp, Arnica montana L..

  Herbal medicines used for the prevention of cancer. Allium sativum and Thea sinensis.

  Potential clinically relevant herb–drug interactions for commonly used herbs: the role of CYP450.

Textbook Information

• Phytotherapy

  Capasso F., Grandolini G., Izzo A., FITOTERAPIA. Aggiornamento della II Ed. di Fitofarmacia (Capasso,Grandolini), Springer, Milano, pp. 3-78, 221-246, 319-762, 770-830.

  Sangiorgi E., Minelli E., Crescini G., Garzanti S., FITOTERAPIA- Principi di Fitoterapia clinica Tradizionale, Energetica, Moderna Casa Ed. Ambrosiana

  Firenzuoli F., 2002 - FITOTERAPIA. III Ed., Masson, Milano.