Pharmacognostic Study of Crude Drug

Introduction

• Pharmacognostic Study: Systematic and scientific study.
• Crude Drug: Naturally occurring substances with certain properties.
  • Usage: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
  • Source: From plants, animals, or minerals.

Synonyms and Vernacular Names

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

Biological Source

• Biological source of the crude drug: The plant or animal from which 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

• The region where the crude drug is produced.
  • 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, type of soil, climate, and season.
• Collection: When and how to collect.
• Processing: Appropriate conditions for storage.

Morphological Characteristics

• Identification of the crude drug by color, size, and surface.
  • Example: Shape of Turmeric: oblong and cylindrical.

Macroscopical and Microscopical Characteristics

• Microscopic study for the identification of crude drug.

Chemical Constituents and Tests

• Chemical elements present in crude drug responsible for its therapeutic effect.
  • Active Chemicals:
    • Example:
      • Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory
      • Sennosides: Laxative property

Pharmacological Properties

• Medicinal uses and other therapeutic 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

• Adulterants mixed in the drug which do not possess medicinal effects.
  • Example: Mixing papaya seeds in black pepper.

Evaluation of Crude Drug

• Evaluation to determine quality and purity.

Conclusion

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

Next Topic: Field of Pharmacognosy.

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