OEMONOM: Open access Educational Materials On Naturally Occurring Molecules - sources, biological activity and use

Background: Natural compounds have always attracted interest due to their potential effects on human being. Their use is widespread and is rather rising due to false belief that they are always better and safer than conventional drugs. The prepared materials should hence reportg both positive and negative aspects of natural compounds used for several commonly used indications (infections, menopause and gynaecological problems, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cough, cardiovascular diseases, CNS, skin and GIT disorders), as well as of vitamins and sympathomimetics, according to the most recent scientific evidence. Special materials will be also prepared for their interactions with conventional drugs. Summary: The Open access Educational Materials on Naturally Occurring Molecules – sources, biological activity and use (OEMONOM) project targets at preparation of comprehensible, free and easily available materials for professionals, students of biomedicinal disciplines as well as lay persons in relation to the effect of natural compounds on human health. The project arose from collaboration of 8 European universities and will be available in 8 native languages of participating universities (Czech, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Slovak and Slovene). Materials will be prepared by common work of experts from different fields (pharmacologists, pharmacognostics, toxicologists, microbiologists, analytical chemists and E-learning experts).