PHAR3818 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Ginger, Ephedra Sinica, Aconitum
23 Jul 2018
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Document Summary
Phytochemistry is the study of structure, physical and chemical properties, extraction and separation, structure determination and biosynthesis, and distribution of chemicals in herbs and plants which is the concept of the chemistry of chinese herbal medicines. Plant natural constituents may be divided into two categories: Primary metabolites: essential biochemical for the everyday survival of the plant e. g. for photosynthesis or respiration. Secondary metabolites: phytochemicals produced by some groups of plants. The secondary metabolites may be important for the long term defense and survival of the plant. The chemical substances responsible for pharmacological functions of a herb. Study of active constituents is the foundation of modern herbal pharmacology. Essential in understanding the mechanism of herbs in disease prevention and treatment: makes it possible to integrate traditional herbal medicine with modern western medicine. The bioassay should reflect the therapeutic effects of a herb. Tcm heat clearing herbs, in vitro antibacterial test did not show strong effects.
