Phytotherapy and Food Supplements

M1. The learning process value the skills of learning and the collaborative work. From the bibliographic support recommended, students will integrate the knowledge trough working groups and holistic analyses of practical cases to report in the classroom. The teacher acts as a facilitator of learning process.
M2. The learning will be done through the study of theory, analysis and discussion of practical cases. The theoretical component uses the expository method, in a student-centered learning context.
M3. Working groups, with collaborative knowledge dissemination tools, being their commitment and relation with these means relevant factors to learn. The practice is action-oriented, where the student is challenged to solve and roleplaying, clinical cases. (Problem Based Learning)
The acquisition of knowledge is proven through a written evaluation test (50%) and carrying out a bibliographic research work with presentation and/or through problem-based learning cases discussion (50%).

O1 – To deepen specific and fundamental technical and scientific knowledge about the main groups of drugs of natural substances and respective medicinal plants;
O2 – Develop knowledge about medicinal plants and their bioactive metabolites aimed at pharmacological advice, dispensing and use in situations subject to self-medication
O3 – Create skills in dispensing and advising on products and medicines of natural origin and food supplements
O4 – To acquire knowledge and skills in the regulatory area of herbal health products and food supplements, with an emphasis on Portuguese and European legislation.
O5 – Provide multidisciplinary knowledge of clinical and scientific evidence to support the use of herbal medicine and food supplements.

1.Introduction to Phytotherapy
1.1.Historic evolution
1.2.Consumption of medicinal plants
1.3.Cultivation, collection, drying and conservation of medicinal plants. Extraction methods and quality control
1.4.Introduction to botanical nomenclature.
1.5.Monographs of medicinal plants.
2. ounselling and dispensing herbal medicines
2.1.Phytotherapy for the Digestive System.
2.2.Phytotherapy for the Genito-urinary System.
2.3.Phytotherapy for the Respiratory System
2.4.Phytotherapy for the Cardiovascular System.
2.5.Phytotherapy for Excess Weight and Obesity.
2.6.Phytotherapy for the musculoskeletal system and skin.
2.7.Phytotherapy for the Immune System
2.8.Phytotherapy for the Nervous System
2.9.Toxic effects and plant/drug interactions
3.Food supplements
3.1.Borderline products between food supplements and medicines
3.2.Nutrients in Food Supplements
3.3.Prebiotics and Probiotics
3.4.Nutraceuticals and other substances with nutritional or physiological effect
3.5.Herbal food supplements

NAO