Pharmacognostic Study of Crude Drug

Introduction

• Pharmacognostic Study: Systematic and scientific study.
• Crude Drug: Naturally occurring substance with certain properties.
  • Use: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
  • Source: Plants, animals, or minerals.

Synonyms and Vernacular Names

• Synonyms: Other names of crude drugs.
• Vernacular Names: Local names of crude drug in different regions.
  • Example:
    • Turmeric (Haldi)
    • English: Indian Mustard
    • Sanskrit: Haridra

Biological Source

• Biological Source of Crude Drug: From which plant or animal it is produced.
  • Characteristics:
    • Botanical Name: Example: Curcuma longa (Turmeric)
    • Family Name: Ginger family
    • Part Used: Dry/Fresh Rhizome

History of Crude Drug

• How and when the use of crude drug started.

Geographical Source

• Production area of crude drug.
  • Example: Main production of Turmeric
    • Country: India, China, Thailand, Italy
    • State: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala

Cultivation, Collection, and Processing

• Methods of cultivation.
  • Information:
    • Propagation method, Soil type, Climate, and Season.
• Collection: When and how to collect.
• Processing: Proper conditions for storage.

Morphological Characteristics

• Color, shape, and surface for identification of crude drug.
  • Example: Turmeric's shape: Oblong and Cylindrical.

Macroscopical and Microscopical Characteristics

• Microscopical study for identification of crude drugs.

Chemical Constituents and Tests

• What chemical elements are responsible for the therapeutic effect of the crude drug.
  • Active Chemicals:
    • Example:
      • Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory
      • Sennosides: Laxative property

Pharmacological Properties

• Medical uses and other medicinal applications.
  • Example:
    • Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory uses of Turmeric.

Substitutes

• Other alternatives for the crude drug.
  • Example: Curcuma amada as a substitute for Turmeric.

Adulterants

• Adulterated substances added to the drug that have no medical effect.
  • Example: Adding papaya seeds to black pepper.

Evaluation of Crude Drug

• Evaluation to determine quality and purity.

Conclusion

• Pharmacognostic study is crucial for the identification and standardization of crude drugs.

---

Upcoming Topic: Field of Pharmacognosy.

Thank you!