The 144th Annual Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan (Yokohama)

Organizer: Michiho Ito (NIHS), Hiroshi Morita (Hoshi Univ.)

Scientific studies on medicinal plants ranging from basic microscopic observation to advanced macro-molecule arrangements are very significant for practical performance of pharmacist. Such cases as to comprehend the microscopic observation for identification of herbal medicines described in Japanese Pharmacopoeia, to discriminate poisonous plant in the field or in the kitchen, and to explain traditional Kampo medicines to customers remind you how important to harbor pharmaceutical botany knowledge which can be acquired as one of the unique skills of sophisticated pharmacists; however, mandatory learning subjects relevant to pharmaceutical botany described in "Model core curriculum for pharmacy education" tend to be decreased every time when it is revised. On the other hand, medicinal plants are often used for outreach activities of universities since many people feel familiar to the plants much better than to chemical reagents. In this session, different characteristics of medicinal plants will be discussed with relevant to their utilization in the healthcare systems which shall support the declining birthrate and aging population of Japanese society.