Introduction to Medical Botany

Plant Biology 317


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Department of Plant Biology

Southern Illinois University

Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6509

COURSE OFFERED

Fall 2008, MW 1-1:50

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Aldwin Anterola
Life Science II Room 429
Office & Lab Phone: 618-453-3222
email: anterola at plant.siu.edu
Office hours: M-F 11-12:15

COURSE DESRIPTION

A survey of plants affecting human health and how they are used historically and in modern times, with emphasis on the biologically active constituents.  Laboratory experiments will introduce students to techniques in production, isolation, chemical analysis and biological testing of medicinal compounds from plants.

TEXTBOOKS

Medical Botany: Plants Affecting Human Health, 2nd ed. Walter H. Lewis and Memory P.F. Elvin-Lewis. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2003. 812 pp.  ISBN 0-471-62882-4. (Required)

Medicinal Plants of the World. Ben-Erik Van Wyk and Michael Wink. Oregon: Timber Press, 2004. 480 pp. ISBN 0-88192-602-7. (Recommended)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. To appreciate how plants have influenced medicine throughout human history
  2. To know the bioactive components of common medicinal plants
  3. To gain familiarity with plants that affect human health
  4. To learn laboratory techniques in phytochemical isolation and analysis

PREREQUISITES

BIOL 200a and 200b, CHEM 140a or CHEM 200 and 201.

GRADING

Three Exams: 300 Points 451 – 500 A
Final Exam:  100 Points 401– 450 B
Term Paper or Class Presentation:  50 Points 351– 400  C
Lab quizzes:  50 Points 301– 350 D
Total       500 Points 300 or less  F

Bonus quizzes will be given from time to time during the lecture period (This may or may not be announced.) The points gained from the quiz will be added to the final exam.

COURSE POLICIES

Important: Please note that this class is not intended to train anyone to practice herbal medicine, nor is it designed to provide medical/pharmaceutical advice. All lectures are based on the assigned textbook readings, which may provide information that is in conflict with current practices of licensed health professionals.

There is a $50.00 laboratory fee.

SIUC / College of Science / Techniques in Plant Molecular Biology
URL: http://www.science.siu.edu/PLB317/index.html
Last updated: 20-Jan-08 / dln