Plant-Derived Drugs

Question 1

what are the consequences for using plants as source of drug?

Answer 1

Sustainability, cost and multiply drug targets, longer time to produce the drugs and find them

Question 2

what is the first commercial pure natural product introduced for therapeutic use?

Answer 2

morphine marketed by Merck in 1826.

Question 3

what was the first semi-synthetic pure drug?

Answer 3

aspirin, based on a natural product salicin isolated fromSalix alba (white willow) was introduced by Bayer in 1899

Question 4

what is a THR?

Answer 4

traditional herbal registration (THR)

Question 5

when is it needed?

Answer 5

before you can market an herbal medicine in the UK.

Question 6

what are the specifications?

Answer 6

ATHRis only granted if the medicine is used for minor health conditions where medical supervision is not required (e.g. a cold).
proof of it working can be word of mouth and personal statements

Question 7

what major issue is associated with plant derived medicines?

Answer 7

broad range of many side effects

Question 8

why so many adverse effects?

Answer 8

they are less specific drugs; many drug targets

Question 9

whats an example of plant derived drug with many side effects?

Answer 9

Vincristine
common side effects, including hair loss, constipation, headaches and difficulty walking.
There are also more severe side effects, including neuropathic pain, lung damage, or low white blood cell numbers, therefore increasing the risk of infection.

Question 10

difference between plant derived drugs and herbal medicines?

Answer 10

evidence of benefit;
clear benefit would be aspirin