Pharmacognostic Study of Crude Drug

Introduction

• Pharmacognostic Study: Systematic and scientific study.
• Crude Drug: Naturally occurring substance with certain properties.
  • Uses: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
  • Sources: Derived from plants, animals, or minerals.

Synonyms and Vernacular Names

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

Biological Source

• Biological source of crude drug: From which plant or animal it is derived.
  • 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 began.

Geographical Source

• Regions of crude drug production.
  • Example: Turmeric's main production areas
    • Countries: India, China, Thailand, Italy
    • States: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala

Cultivation, Collection, and Processing

• Methods of cultivation.
  • Information:
    • Propagation methods, type of soil, climate, and season.
• Collection: When and how to collect.
• Processing: Suitable conditions for storage.

Morphological Characteristics

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

Macroscopical and Microscopical Characteristics

• Microscopical study for the identification of crude drug.

Chemical Constituents and Tests

• Chemical elements in crude drugs responsible for therapeutic effects.
  • Active chemicals:
    • Example:
      • Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory
      • Sennosides: Laxative property

Pharmacological Properties

• Medicinal uses and other therapeutic applications.
  • Example:
    • Turmeric's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory uses.

Substitutes

• Other alternatives for crude drug.
  • Example: Curcuma amada for turmeric.

Adulterants

• Adulterants added to the drug that do not have therapeutic effects.
  • Example: Papaya seeds added 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.

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Upcoming Topic: The field of Pharmacognosy.

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