25/09/2024
Pharmacy Doctorate
Program
Botanical Introduction to Pharmacognosy
Lecture 1:
Introduction & Importance of Botany in
Pharmacognosy
Pr. El Hassan Mayad
Faculté des Sciences d’Agadir
Dept. de Biologie
[Link]@[Link]
Course Introduction & Welcome
q Welcome to "Botanical Introduction to
Pharmacognosy!"
q A foundational course bridging botany and pharmacy.
q Understanding plants: The backbone of drug
discovery.
q Aim: Equip students for the advanced pharmacognosy
course in the 3rd year.
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Course Overview - Part 1
Delving into botany's many Introduction to plant interests The Mysterious World of
facets and classifications Cormophytes Awaits
Learn about the different types of Cormophytes hold nature's secrets.
plants and how they are categorized. Their adaptations shape life. Unveil
their wonders.
Course Overview - Part 2
Reproductive Wonders Active Principles Plants to Pills
We will explore the fascinating Discover the secrets of nature's Prepare for the exciting journey from
reproductive strategies of pharmacological arsenal, the active plant-based discoveries to the
cormophytes, the vascular plants that principles that hold the key to development of life-saving
dominate our landscapes. therapeutic potential. medications.
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Course Structure Overview
q Comprises 27 lectures spanning two chapters.
§ Chapter I: Introduction to Botany - Basics and
classifications.
§ Chapter II: Biology of Cormophytes - Morphology,
anatomy, and medical relevance.
q Each lecture uniquely tailored to cover key concepts
with in-depth explorations.
Lecture 1:
Importance of
Botany in
Pharmacognosy
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Lecture 1 Objectives
Course Framework Botany's Role Pharmacist Essentials
This lecture will provide an overview We will explore the fundamental This lecture will address the essential
of the course structure and its key importance of botany in the field of botanical knowledge needed for
components. pharmacognosy. future pharmacists.
Definitions: Pharmacognosy
and Botany
Pharmacognosy
Pharmacognosy is the study of the physical, chemical,
biochemical, and biological properties of drugs, drug substances,
or potential drugs obtained from natural sources, including
plants, minerals, and animals.
Botany
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their physiology,
structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, and classification.
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Why Study Botany in Pharmacognosy?
Natural Medicines Identification & Quality Evolution of Plant-Based
Plants have been the primary source Botanical knowledge aids in proper
Medicine
of medicines for millennia. identification and quality control. From traditional remedies to modern
drugs: The evolution of plant-based
medicine.
The Botany-Pharmacy Connection
q Drugs like aspirin originated from willow bark Salix .
2D Structure of Salicin (Compound)[1] - White Willow Tree (Salix alba)[2] - closeup of bark
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The Botany-Pharmacy Connection
q Drugs like aspirin originated from willow bark Salix .
q Digitalis (Digoxin), a heart medicine, is derived from the
foxglove plant.
used for heart failure and fluid build up in
Digitalis puruprea the body (congestive
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and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).
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The Botany-Pharmacy Connection
q Drugs like aspirin originated from willow bark Salix .
q Digitalis, a heart medicine, is derived from the foxglove
plant.
q Quinine, an antimalarial drug, comes from cinchona bark (
Cinchona officinalis).
q Essential oils, tinctures, and herbal teas have botanical
origins, highlighting the importance of botany in daily
pharmaceutical practice.
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Future Prospects and Significance
q As biodiversity diminishes, the rush to discover new plant-
based compounds intensifies.
q Pharmacognosy offers solutions to antibiotic resistance
and emerging diseases.
q Advanced techniques, like CRISPR (Clustered Regularly
Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) /Cas9, allow us to
harness plants for tailored drug production.
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Dissecting Plant Gene Functions Using CRISPR Toolsets for Crop
Improvement
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[Link]
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Future Prospects and Significance
q As biodiversity diminishes, the rush to discover new plant-
based compounds intensifies.
q Pharmacognosy offers solutions to antibiotic resistance and
emerging diseases
q Advanced techniques, like CRISPR (Clustered Regularly
Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) /Cas9, allow us to
harness plants for tailored drug production.
q Studying botany equips future pharmacists with tools to
lead in drug discovery and development.
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Plants in Traditional Medicine
q Plants have been humanity's oldest health
companions.
q Herbal remedies have been utilized across cultures
and history.
q Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and
Chinese documented extensive herbals.
q Plants like turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber
officinale), and ginseng (Panax ginseng) are still widely
used today for their medicinal properties.
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The Science Behind Plant-Based Medicine
q Plants produce a myriad of secondary metabolites with
therapeutic properties.
q Alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins are just a few examples.
q Many of these compounds play roles in plant defense,
signaling, and adaptation.
q Modern pharmacognosy seeks to understand, isolate, and
optimize these compounds for human health.
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Challenges in Plant-Based Drug
Development
q Identifying and isolating active compounds from plants
can be complex.
q Variability in plant compounds based on season, region,
and growing conditions.
q Ensuring sustainable and ethical harvesting of medicinal
plants.
q Bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific
validation.
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The Role of Pharmacognosists
q Expertise in plant identification ensures quality and
safety in drug production.
q Work in interdisciplinary teams alongside botanists,
chemists, and medical professionals.
q Drive innovations in drug formulation, delivery, and
optimization.
q Ensure that traditional knowledge is integrated and
respected in modern practices.
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A Glimpse into the Course Journey
q We'll explore the fascinating world of plants, from
morphology to reproduction.
q Dive deep into the anatomy of cormophytes and
their significance in pharmacognosy.
q Understand the myriad of bioactive compounds
and their therapeutic applications.
q Prepare for an engaging journey of discovery,
understanding, and application!
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Importance of Ethnobotany in
Pharmacognosy
q Ethnobotany studies the relationship between people and
plants focusing on how different cultures use plants for purposes
such as medicine, food, rituals, and construction.
q Traditional knowledge provides invaluable insights into
potential medicinal plants.
q Many modern drugs are derived from ancient herbal
remedies.
q Respecting and preserving indigenous knowledge is crucial
for future drug discovery.
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Safety and Quality Control in Plant-Based
Medicine
q Proper identification of plant species is crucial to
ensure safety.
q Misidentification can lead to harmful side effects
or reduced efficacy.
q Techniques like TLC, HPLC, and DNA barcoding aid
in accurate plant identification.
q Consistency in plant-based medicine is ensured
through rigorous quality control measures.
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Sustainable Sourcing and
Conservation
q Overharvesting can threaten the survival of medicinal plants.
Exp: Thymus vulgaris, Urtica dioica, Mentha cervina L
q Sustainable farming practices ensure a consistent supply
without damaging ecosystems.
q Conservation efforts, like seed banks, protect plant biodiversity.
q Ethical sourcing ensures the wellbeing of local communities and
their habitats.
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From Plant to Pill: The Drug Development
Journey
q Initial identification and extraction of potential active
compounds.
q Preclinical trials test safety and efficacy in labs and
animal models.
q Clinical trials ensure the drug is safe and effective in
humans.
q Once approved, drugs are formulated, marketed, and
distributed for therapeutic use.
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Why This Course Matters for Future
Pharmacists
q The demand for plant-based medicines is on the rise
globally.
q As pharmacists, understanding the botanical origin
ensures better patient care.
q Knowledge in botany and pharmacognosy opens doors
to research and development careers.
q This course lays the foundation for understanding the
intricate relationship between plants and human
health. 25
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Modern vs. Traditional Plant Medicine
q Traditional medicine often uses the whole plant or crude extracts.
q Modern pharmacognosy isolates specific active compounds for
targeted treatment.
q Combining both approaches can lead to holistic treatments and
improved patient outcomes.
q Respecting ancient wisdom while embracing modern science.
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The Synergy of Plants and Health
q Many plants have a combination of active compounds that work
synergistically.
Turmeric
q This synergy can enhance therapeutic effects or reduce side effects.
q Modern research aims to understand these interactions and harness
them effectively.
q Examples include the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric
(Curcumin ) combined with black pepper (Piper nigrum)
§ piperine improve absorption of curcumin
§ Tumeric: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Pepper
Piper nigrum
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Climate Change and Medicinal
Plants
q Climate change impacts the growth, distribution, and
potency of medicinal plants.
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Climate Change and Medicinal
Plants
q Climate change impacts the growth, distribution, and
potency of medicinal plants.
q Some medicinal plants may become rarer, while others
might proliferate .
q Adapting to these changes is crucial for sustainable
drug development.
q Research is ongoing to understand these shifts and
develop strategies to mitigate challenges.
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Climate Change and Medicinal Plants:
Loss and Gain of suitability of Argania spinosa
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Moukrim et al. 2019. Agroforest Syst (2019) 93:1209–1219. DOI 10.1007/s10457-018-0232-8
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Technological Innovations in
Pharmacognosy
q Advanced analytical tools (Metabolomic Technology ) allow
for faster and more accurate compound identification.
q Bioinformatics and AI are assisting in predicting plant
compound interactions.
q Biotechnological interventions, like plant tissue culture,
ensure consistent production of active compounds.
q Technology plays a pivotal role in modernizing traditional
plant medicine.
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Preparing for the Future – Course
Expectations
q This course is not just about understanding plants but
appreciating their potential in healthcare.
q Critical thinking, discussions, and hands-on experiments will
be integral.
q Expect in-depth explorations, case studies, and real-world
applications.
q Encourage curiosity, questions, and a collaborative learning
environment.
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The Multidisciplinary Nature of
Pharmacognosy
q Pharmacognosy bridges botany, chemistry, pharmacology,
and medicine.
q It involves not only identifying plants but also understanding
their biochemistry and therapeutic effects.
q Collaboration with diverse scientific disciplines leads to
groundbreaking discoveries.
q An integrated approach ensures comprehensive
understanding and optimized drug development.
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Ethical Considerations in
Pharmacognosy
q Ethical sourcing of plants respects both nature and local
communities.
q Bio-piracy - unauthorized use of traditional knowledge
without compensation - is a pressing concern.
q Ethical research respects indigenous rights and ensures
fair compensation.
q Sustainable and ethical practices guarantee the long-term
viability of plant-based medicines.
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The Evolving Landscape of Drug Regulations
q Regulations ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality
of plant-based drugs.
q Different countries have varying rules for herbal
medicines, influencing global trade.
q Staying updated with global regulatory changes is
crucial for pharmacists and drug developers.
q Emphasis on evidence-based research to validate
traditional plant remedies.
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Plant Conservation and Pharmacognosy
q Many medicinal
plants are
endangered due to
overharvesting and
habitat loss.
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Plant Conservation and
Pharmacognosy
q Many medicinal plants are endangered due to
overharvesting and habitat loss.
q Conservation efforts ensure the sustainable use of
these plants for future generations.
q Protected areas, seed banks, and cultivation
practices play a pivotal role.
q Conservation and pharmacognosy go hand in hand,
ensuring a sustainable future for both.
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The Role of Biotechnology in
Pharmacognosy
q Biotechnology techniques help in enhancing the
production of plant-based active compounds.
q Genetic modifications can lead to plants
producing higher yields of medicinal compounds.
q In-vitro plant tissue culture is a tool for the
mass production of rare medicinal plants.
q Biotechnological advancements open new
avenues for drug discovery and production in
pharmacognosy.
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Conclusion and Expectations
q Pharmacognosy is a dynamic field, blending traditional
wisdom with modern science.
q This course promises a comprehensive understanding of
the botanical world's role in drug discovery.
q Students are encouraged to explore, engage, and
immerse themselves in the world of botanical
pharmacognosy.
q A heartfelt invitation to embark on this enlightening
journey, uncovering the myriad mysteries of plants and
their medicinal prowess. 47
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Thank you for your Attention
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