Objectives
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Botanical Safety will be able to:
* Assemble a solid theoretical understanding of how to review, utilize and design scientific and clinical research.
* Construct a strong theoretical knowledge of the principles of pharmacognosy and phytochemistry as they apply to botanical studies.
* Critically evaluate the molecular structure of active constituents and how they contribute to a botanical’s observable actions.
* Identify and evaluate the methods of quality control, extraction, potency, and variability of herbs and how it relates to the botanical industry.
* Synthesize an advanced knowledge of the principles of toxicology and the mechanisms and effect of herb-herb and herb-drug interactions.
* Demonstrate an understanding of the toxicology of plant and essential oil constituents, the possible allergic and adverse reactions to herbal products and the influence of herbal quality on potential toxicity.
* Analyze the relative risks and benefits of commonly used botanical substances.
* Compare and contrast knowledge from empirical use with data from current phytochemical, toxicological and epidemiological studies and databases.
* Assemble an advanced knowledge base of the herbal material medica with a strong theoretical understanding of efficacy based on current research.
* Construct a working knowledge of the therapeutic action, active constituents, and methods of administration and regulatory status of each botanical.
