Reflect

Several therapeutic compounds with antibiotic, antiviral or anticancer activities, were first isolated from plants, herbs and molds. Pharmacologists and ethnobotanists work together in different parts of the world to identify plants used medicinally by the local population. The process to isolate and purify the active ingredient will eventually lead to its formula and structure, and biological studies will follow.

Activity

Pick up a container from the shelf at the local pharmacy and identify the active ingredient. Do some research and see if you can find its origin and when it was first discovered and isolated. Present a 100-150 word summary of your findings to the class. Make sure that your posting contains the following:

1. What is the compound used for?

2. What you learned from your research?

3. Lists the sources you used for research.