Last week, 30 Biology students had the incredible opportunity to be given a tour of the Royal College of Physicians Medicinal Gardens by two senior physicians - Dr Graham and Dr Henry. We learnt about the role of plants in medicine, understanding how different plants can have either positive or negative effects on the body (and in some cases both!). 

For instance, Artemisia annua, a plant belonging to the daisy family, can be isolated to create the chemical compound artemisinin which is used to treat malaria. Another example of how plants can be useful in medicine is the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), from which chemotherapy drugs have been derived as they reduce white blood cell levels. 

Additionally, we learnt about examples of plants that were incorrectly believed to have medicinal value but were still marketed and sold as such, for example lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum). With this we were encouraged to always think critically and to question everything.

Year 13 student Jasmine said, "The trip was amazing. Wish I could go again. Our guide was so funny and I loved the part where we learned about how poppy seed sap can be used as both a painkiller and a opiate." and Chidimma said, "I really enjoyed learning about plants vital for medicines and the weather was a nice bonus!"

Overall, it was a hugely valuable experience, not only was the tour interesting and engaging,but now we have also been introduced to topics/plants that can be further researched and spoken about in interviews and applications. 

A big thank you to Ms Keshishian for organising everything!