INTRODUCTION

Pharmacognosy is the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs of natural origin as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources. Pharmacognosy forms an important link between pharmaceuticals and basic science as well as ayurvedic and allopathic system of medicines. Pharmacognosy gives a sound knowledge of the vegetable drugs under botany and animal drugs under zoology. It also includes plant taxonomy, plant pathology and plant genetics and by this knowledge one can improve the cultivation methods for both medicinal and aromatic plants. Pharmacognosy is a science of active principles of crude drugs and which can be help in dispensing, formulating, and manufacturing of dosage forms.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

The students of this semester will be able to define, explain the Pharmacognostic features, phytochemistry and clinical applications of active principles of natural drugs including Volatile Oils, Tannins and Resins. The students will also acquire the knowledge about various tumor inhibitors from plants and their mechanism of action. The students will also learn about the clinical features of various herbal drugs, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and antibiotics. An introduction to natural drugs used for the treatment of AIDS will also be the part of syllabus. A detailed study of natural toxins will also be included in the course.

COURSE CONTENTS

1. Separation and Isolation of Plant Constituents

Introduction and use of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for the identification of natural products. Description and interpretation of ultraviolet, infra-red, mass, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) spectra and other advance techniques to elucidate the structure of natural products.

2. Carbohydrates and Related Compounds

Introduction and classification of carbohydrates, sugars as adjuvant in drugs, role of impurities in sugar substances.

(a) Sucrose and Sucrose containing drugs: Sucrose, Dextrose, Liquid glucose, Fructose, Lactose, Xylose, Caramel, Starch, Inulin, Dextrine

(b) Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives: Powdered cellulose, Microcrystalline cellulose, Methyl cellulose, Sodium Carboxy-methyl cellulose.

(c) Gums and Mucilage: Tragacanth, Acacia, Sodium Alginate, Agar, Pectin.

3. Alkaloids

Introduction, Properties, Cassification, Function of alkaloids in plants, Methods of extraction and identification tests.

(a) Pyridine — Piperidine Alkaloids: Areca nut, Lobelia.

(b) Tropane Alkaloids: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium.

(c) Quinoline Alkaloids: Cinchona.

(d) Isoquinoline Alkaloids: Ipecacuanha, Opium.

(e) Indole alkaloids: Rauwolfia, catharanthus, nux vomica,physostigma, ergot.

(f) Imidazole alkaloids: Pilocarpus.

(g) Steroidal alkaloids: Veratrum.

(h) Alkaloidal amines: Ephedra, colchicum.

(i) Purine Bases: Tea, Coffee.

4. Glycosides

Introduction, classification, chemistry, extraction, isolation and medicinal uses

of:

(a) Cardioactive glycosides: Digitalis, Strophanthus and white squill.

(b) Anthroquinone glycosides: Cascara, Aloe, Rhubarb, Cochineal and Senna.

(c) Saponin glycosides: Glycyrrhiza, Sarsaparilla.

(d) Cyanophore glycosides: Wild cherry.

(e) Isothiocyanate glycosides: Black Mustard.

(f) Lactone glycosides: Cantharide.

(g) Aldehyde glycosides: Vanilla.

(h) Miscellaneous glycosides: Gentian, Quassia, Dioscorea.

5. Plant Steroids

Introduction, extraction, isolation, nomenclature, sources and uses of bile acids, plant sterols, steroidal sapogenins, steroid hormones, withanolides and ecdysons.

6. Lipids

Introduction, classification, source, active constituents and pharmacological uses

of:

(a) Fixed Oils: Castor oil, cotton seed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sun flower oil, corn oil, coconut oil, Almond oil, Linseed oil, Mustard oil, Sesame oil and soybean oil.

(b) Fats and Related Compounds: Theobroma oil and Lanolin.

(c) Waxes: Bees wax, carnauba wax, spermaceti and Jojoba oil.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

1. Pharmacognosy, Varro E. Tyler, Lynn R. Brady, James E. Robbers, 10th ed., Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia (2001).
2. Trease and Evans’ Pharmacognosy, William C. Evans, George E. Trease, Daphne Evans, 16thed., Illustrated Elsevier Health Sciences Division Publisher (2009).
3. T.E. Wellis, Text book of Pharmacognosy, CBS Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi, (1986).
4. Mohammad Ali, Introduction to Pharmacognosy, CBS Publishers & Distributors, New Dehli,(2012).

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• Mid Exam: 30 Marks
• Final Exam: 50 Marks
• Sessional:  20 Marks (Assignments, Presentations and Quizes)