Developing Drugs

Biology, Health and Disease, Age 14-16

This presentation introduces the idea that many drugs we use today have been developed from treatments used by indigenous people, and gives some examples. It then explains how clinical trials are carried out, before finishing with some topical news stories to highlight the ethical problems surrounding drug trials. Includes links to video news stories. 10 slides


1Many of the drugs we use today are derived from natural substances that have been known to indigenous people for many years Developing Drugshttp://teachable.net/res.asp?r=7912Why did...Native Americans chew on the bark of the willow tree when in pain?Willow bark contains salicylic acid which is now the main ingredient in aspirin.3Why did...The women of India over 2500 years ago eat the crushed leaves of the herbs false pepper and long pepper ?It is thought to be a natural contraceptive.4Why did...The Australian aborigines rub the leaves from the tea tree plant onto their cuts?It contains a powerful antibacterial and antifungal chemical. 5Why did...Ancient Greek doctors prescribe the dried milky juice of the unripe seedpods of opium poppies? It is a powerful painkiller and euphoriant. It is where we get heroin (an illegal drug) and morphine (a strong painkiller used in hospitals)6Clinical TrialsNew drugs go through clinical trials to check they work and that they are safe.7Clinical