“Drugs don’t grow on trees”—or do they? In the lush basins of the Amazon rainforest stands Croton lechleri, a pioneer tree species known to Indigenous peoples for centuries as Sangre de Grado (Dragon’s Blood) for its thick, red latex. This course offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the journey of this sacred plant from the rainforest floor to the modern pharmacy shelf as Crofelemer—the first oral botanical drug ever approved by the US FDA.
This curriculum bridges the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and cutting-edge pharmacology. You will explore the “Two Scientists” model, which recognizes that the Indigenous healer and the Western physician possess equal but distinct forms of expertise. We will trace the development of Crofelemer, examining how a complex botanical molecule regulates physiology without entering the bloodstream.
Beyond the chemistry, this course is a deep dive into sustainable supply chains and social responsibility. You will learn how a pharmaceutical product can drive reforestation, support local economies, and honor the intellectual property of Indigenous communities. From the logistics of latex extraction in Peru to the rigorous quality control required by the FDA, this is a masterclass in how to bring a plant-based medicine to the world ethically, sustainably, and effectively.
What you will learn:
- Deconstruct the “Farm-to-Pharma” Journey: Trace the complete lifecycle of Crofelemer (Mytesi), the first FDA-approved oral botanical drug, from a tree in the Peruvian Amazon to a pharmacy shelf in the USA.
- Bridge Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science: Understand the field of Ethnobotany and how scientists collaborate with Indigenous healers (Shamans) to identify potent medicinal plants.
- Analyze the “One Health” Concept: Discover how human health and animal health are interconnected by studying how the same plant molecule treats specific conditions in both HIV/AIDS patients and chemotherapy dogs.
- Master Sustainable Supply Chains: Learn the logistics of managing a fair-trade, transparent supply chain that supports over 5,000 Indigenous families while protecting the rainforest ecosystem.
- Understand Botanical Pharmacology: Grasp the specific mechanism of action of Croton lechleri latex—how it regulates chloride channels to normalize gut health without the side effects of opioids.
Who is this online course for?
This course is designed for a diverse audience, united by a curiosity to look “beyond the pill bottle” and understand the complex journey of the world’s first FDA-approved oral botanical drug. You will find this course valuable if you are:
- Students of Biology, Ethnobotany, & Pharmacology: Looking to bridge the gap between traditional field research and modern clinical trials, understanding how a tree sap used by Amazonian shamans became a regulated pharmaceutical medicine.
- Healthcare Practitioners, Herbalists, & Nutritionists: Wanting to explore the nutritional science of the Coca leaf (vitamins, alkaloids, calcium) and the emerging field of Botanical Drug Development for treating modern metabolic and mental health conditions.
- Policy Makers, Legal Professionals, & Advocates: Seeking to understand the complexities of international drug scheduling (Schedule I vs. Schedule II), the impact of the “War on Drugs,” and the current movements toward regulation and destigmatization.
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Investors & Entrepreneurs: Aiming to understand how to build a scalable business model that relies on Fair Trade principles, benefit-sharing with Indigenous communities, and the use of a rapid-growth “pioneer species” that encourages reforestation rather than deforestation.
- Biotech & Industry Entrepreneurs: Interested in the specific challenges and triumphs of navigating the FDA Botanical Drug Pathway, a rigorous regulatory route that differs significantly from the approval process for synthetic chemical drugs.
- Individuals Working with Indigenous Communities: Those wishing to learn about ethical bioprospecting and the importance of reciprocity—ensuring that the guardians of the forest (the local healers and families) receive direct economic support and infrastructure improvements in exchange for their knowledge and labor.
- Curious Minds & Truth Seekers: Anyone interested in the hidden power of the rainforest and learning the true story of Sangre de Drago, demonstrating that nature is often the world’s most sophisticated chemist.
related courses
Ethnobotany and Neurodegenerative Diseases
by Paul Cox
Plant Chemistry
by Dennis McKenna
Dr. Steven King is a distinguished ethnobotanist serving as the Chief Sustainable Supply, Ethnobotanical Research, and Intellectual Property Officer since 2004. Previously the Vice President of Ethnobotany at Shaman Pharmaceuticals, he is internationally recognized for his pioneering work on the sustainable harvesting of Croton lechleri. He holds an MS and PhD in biology from CUNY and was the first doctoral fellow awarded by the Institute of Economic Botany at the New York Botanical Garden. A board member of the Healing Forest Conservatory, Steve is dedicated to bridging scientific research with biodiversity conservation and traditional medicine.
Lectured by Steven King, PhD
Course Price: $150
Level: Easy
Modules: 6
Length: 1h
Lessons: 20
