Pharmacognosy
Study of medicinal drugs from natural sources — biological sources, chemical constituents, cultivation, and therapeutic uses.
Units
Introduction to Pharmacognosy
Definition, scope, history, and classification of crude drugs.
Subtopics (4)
- Definition and scope of Pharmacognosy
- History and development of Pharmacognosy
- Classification of crude drugs (alphabetical, morphological, taxonomical, chemical, pharmacological)
- Terminologies: Drug, Crude drug, Medicinal plant, Phytochemistry
Biological Sources & Cultivation
Biological sources, cultivation methods, and collection of medicinal plants.
Subtopics (4)
- Biological source and its importance
- Cultivation of medicinal plants
- Collection and processing of crude drugs
- Factors affecting quality of crude drugs
Evaluation of Crude Drugs
Organoleptic, microscopic, physical, chemical, and biological evaluation methods.
Subtopics (5)
- Organoleptic evaluation (color, odor, taste, texture)
- Microscopic evaluation
- Physical evaluation (moisture content, ash value, extractive values)
- Chemical evaluation (chemical tests, chromatography)
- Biological evaluation (bioassays)
Plant Tissues & Organs as Drug Sources
Drugs from bark, root, leaf, flower, fruit, seed, and other plant parts.
Subtopics (5)
- Drugs from bark (Cinnamon, Cinchona, Cascara)
- Drugs from root (Rauwolfia, Ipecac, Glycyrrhiza)
- Drugs from leaf (Senna, Digitalis, Belladonna)
- Drugs from flower (Clove, Chamomile, Saffron)
- Drugs from fruit and seed (Fennel, Coriander, Nux vomica)
Alkaloids
Definition, classification, general properties, and important alkaloid-containing drugs.
Subtopics (4)
- Definition, classification, and general properties of alkaloids
- Extraction and isolation methods
- Important alkaloids: Morphine, Quinine, Caffeine, Atropine, Ephedrine, Vincristine
- Biological sources, chemical constituents, and uses
Glycosides
Definition, classification, and important glycoside-containing drugs.
Subtopics (3)
- Definition, classification of glycosides (cardiac, anthraquinone, saponin, cyanogenic, etc.)
- Important glycoside drugs: Digitalis, Senna, Dioscorea, liquorice
- Biological sources, chemical constituents, and uses
Volatile Oils
Definition, properties, extraction methods, and important volatile oil drugs.
Subtopics (4)
- Definition, general properties, and composition of volatile oils
- Methods of extraction (steam distillation, expression)
- Important volatile oil drugs: Clove, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemon, Cinnamon
- Uses and quality control
Resins
Definition, classification, and important resin-containing drugs.
Subtopics (3)
- Definition, classification of resins
- Important resin drugs: Myrrh, Asafoetida, Cannabis, Colophony
- Biological sources, chemical constituents, and uses
Lipids & Waxes
Fixed oils, fats, waxes, and their pharmaceutical applications.
Subtopics (4)
- Fixed oils and fats (Castor oil, Coconut oil, Cod liver oil)
- Waxes (Beeswax, Carnauba wax)
- Hydrogenation and saponification
- Pharmaceutical applications
Gums & Mucilages
Definition, properties, sources, and pharmaceutical uses of natural gums.
Subtopics (3)
- Definition and differences between gums and mucilages
- Important sources: Acacia, Tragacanth, Guar gum, Agar
- Properties, chemical constitution, and pharmaceutical uses
Biological & Immunological Products
Sera, vaccines, toxins, antitoxins, and other biological products.
Subtopics (4)
- Classification of biological products
- Sera and antitoxins (antivenom serum, anti-tetanus serum)
- Vaccines (BCG, DPT, Polio, Hepatitis)
- Toxoids, antigens, and immunoglobulins
Fibers & Fatty Acids
Natural fibers, fatty acids, and their pharmaceutical relevance.
Subtopics (3)
- Natural fibers (Cotton, Silk, Sisal)
- Fatty acids (Stearic acid, Oleic acid, Linoleic acid)
- Pharmaceutical applications
Enzymes & Proteins
Important enzymes and proteins of pharmaceutical origin.
Subtopics (3)
- Important enzymes: Papain, Bromelain, Pancreatin, Pepsin
- Proteins: Gelatin, Albumin, Casein
- Pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications
Natural Products as Drug Leads
Drug discovery from natural sources, biotechnology, and phytopharmaceuticals.
Subtopics (5)
- Drug discovery from natural sources
- Biotechnology in Pharmacognosy
- Phytopharmaceuticals and standardization
- Quality control of herbal drugs
- Regulatory aspects