Resumen

PEREZ, Cristina  y  FARAH, Ezequiel. Infections, curcumin and 8PP: education and scientific dissemination in school laboratories. Educación [online]. 2023, vol.47, n.1, pp.515-532. ISSN 2215-2644.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15517/revedu.v47i1.51672.

Background. Since 2001, the pedagogical series From University to School has been developed; it compiles innovative teaching activities that include scientific education and dissemination in Argentine primary and secondary schools. Objective. To create an innovative teaching activity that expands those previously reported and includes related theoretical and practical work in school laboratories. Focus and activities. In a context related to infections, the areas of biology and chemistry were associated jointly with the first, second, and fourth-year students of a municipal school from Buenos Aires (Argentina). A review, selection, and integration of knowledge were carried out. Later on, information from the university disciplines of pharmacology and microbiology was added. The central theme covered common infections in adolescents, particularly those caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The problem of the resistance of this microorganism to drugs, its medical relevance, and the search for new medicines was raised. As examples of potential antifungal drugs of plant origin to combat azole-resistant Candida albicans, curcumin and 8PP were taken in comparison, due to their similar bioactivities, the physical aspect, and previous students' knowledge. The researchers started with a food material of plant origin commonly known as seasoning. It is turmeric or saffron from India, which contains curcumin, a substance under scientific study. 8PP, extracted from the roots of Dalea elegans, continues to be investigated in Argentina regarding pharmacological strategies. Both theoretical and practical interactive works were designed and developed, adapted to the topics covered and the school laboratory. Results. An innovative teaching proposal that integrates and updates different scientific knowledge related to health care was developed. Conclusions. This experience broadens and enriches the teaching curriculum at the secondary level, both in scientific criteria and in data from Argentine and foreign fields, following recommendations derived from its recognized and valued originality.

Palabras clave : Natural Products; Potential Medicines; Plant Antimicrobials; Plant Antifungals; Health Promotion; Teaching Innovation.

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