Programme

Introduction to natural products chemistry. Main features of secondary metabolism.
Acetate pathway. Prostaglandins, aromatic polyketides, anthraquinones, cannabinoids, aflatoxins.
Shikimate pathway. Shikimic acid biosynthesis. Cinnamic acids. Lignins. Phenylpropanoids. Benzoic acids. Coumarins. Flavonoids. Tannins. Isoflavones. Terpenoid quinones.
Mevalonate pathway. Mevalonic acid biogenesis. Biosynthesis of different classes of terpenes. Iridoids. Gibberellins. Triterpenes. Squalene, Cholesterol. Hormones. Animal and human steroids. Phytosterols.
Alkaloids: definition and nomenclature. Biosynthesis and biological activity of the main classes of natural alkaloids: cocaine, nicotine, curare, morphine, loganin, lysergic acid, coniine.
Carbohydrates: generalities. Cyanogenic glycosides. Streptomycins.
Peptidic secondary metabolites. Interferons. Opioid peptides. Peptide toxins: ricin and botulin. Penicillins.

Core Documentation

Slides of the lessons and additional material are available on line.
P.M. Dewick : Medicinal natural products. A biosynthetic approach. Third edition.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

Type of evaluation

Preparation and oral presentation of a PowerPoint presentation on a natural substance selected by mutual agreement between the professor and the student.