Active Molecules from Natural Sources as Pharmacological Tools

The main objective is to provide the students with a general knowledge about how active molecules from natural sources have been lead compounds that have been modified to improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties.
In particular, specific objectives will be: (i) historical evaluation of how pharmacological research has developed in the past, focusing on the role of products of natural origin; (ii) analysis of the mechanism of action of the active principle and therapeutic applications of the drugs.

At the end of the course, the student will have to know the history of the development of drugs starting from the active molecules present in natural sources, the therapeutic applications and the side effects.