Assignments

Research Paper

We require a short (4-6 double spaced pages, not including references) research paper on a natural product not discussed in class (see list below of topics to be covered). The focus should be on product efficacy and risks. It will be essential to consult and cite the primary literature on your topic in order to write an acceptable paper.

The paper should have 5 sections: Introduction, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References. The Introduction will introduce the subject and background in context for the reader. The Findings will discuss the important literature on the subject. With dietary supplements, you will focus on efficacy and safety studies. Since space is limited, discuss findings from the most recent and the most comprehensive clinical trials. Point out the limitations of the studies, if any. The Conclusions will provide the reader with your overall take on the subject based on what you have found in the reading for your paper. This section should point out future directions for study that are needed in your view. The References section will list references by number corresponding to the order that the citation is listed in your paper. Use a number in parenthesis to cite a reference in the text of your paper. Factual information not of your own creation will need to be referenced. The style of the listing of the references is best shown on the Pharmacy 500 course website (https://courses.washington.edu/pharm500/), Assignments > Technical Writing Assignment Instructions > References. An exception is that you do not need to indicate the source from which you obtained the reference.

The due date for the paper is November 20.

Topics Covered in Class

• Garlic
• Echinacea
• Saw palmetto
• Ginkgo
• Soy
• Cranberry
• Ginseng
• Black cohosh
• St. John’s wort
• Milk thistle
• Evening primrose
• Valerian
• Green tea
• Bilberry
• Grape seed
• Horny goat weed
• Yohimbe
• Horse chestnut
• red clover
• Ginger
• probiotics, fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, melatonin, CoQ10,and homeopathic products

Weekly Quiz

• Every week there will be a short quiz over material from the previous week's lecture.
• You can drop the lowest quiz score, but there will be no make-up quizzes.
• A 70% of all possible points in the total quizzes will be needed to pass the course.