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.

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.

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)