Pharmacognosy

The skills that students gain from a Pharmacognosy course are:

• Crude drug identification and evaluation techniques

• Phytochemical screening and analysis

• Use of microscopy and chromatographic methods

• Extraction and isolation of natural products

• Standardization and quality assurance practices

• Research and analytical problem-solving skills

• Knowledge of regulatory and safety aspects of herbal drugs

The key objectives of studying Pharmacognosy are:

• Study of drugs from natural sources (plants, animals, minerals)

• Identification, classification, and authentication of crude drugs

• Extraction, isolation, and purification of bioactive compounds

• Standardization and quality control of herbal medicines

• Understanding traditional medicine systems scientifically

• Contribution to drug discovery and development

Yes, even with the advancement of synthetic chemistry, Pharmacognosy remains indispensable. Many synthetic drugs are inspired by or modified versions of natural compounds, with examples like aspirin and paclitaxel originating from natural sources.

Furthermore, as global interest in herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, and alternative therapies grows, Pharmacognosy ensures these products are validated scientifically and proven safe, thereby complementing synthetic drug development in modern healthcare.

Pharmacognosy serves as a cornerstone of drug discovery, as numerous medicines are derived from natural sources. It involves studying bioactive compounds, isolating them, and developing them into therapeutic agents.

Natural products often provide chemical frameworks that inspire synthetic drugs, making Pharmacognosy a vital starting point for innovation in pharmaceutical research and development.