ASSIGNMENT: INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOGNOSY
1. Definition of Pharmacognosy
The term pharmacognosy was first coined by Johann Adam Schmidt in 1811. It is derived from
two words:
Pharmakon = drugs
Gnosia / Gignosco = knowledge
The word “Pharmacognosy” was also coined by C.A. Seydler in 1815 in his work Analecta
Pharmacognostica.
Definition:
“Pharmacognosy is the branch of science dealing with crude drugs obtained from
natural sources.”
“Pharmacognosy is systematic study of crude drugs obtained from natural origin like
plant, animal and minerals.”
In classical terms:
“Pharmacognosy was defined as the knowledge (study) of drugs.”
Pharmacognosy studies natural substances used in treatment and prevention of diseases or
having biological activity on living organisms.
2. Introduction
Pharmacognosy is one of the oldest branches of pharmaceutical sciences.
Originally, during the 19th and early 20th century, pharmacognosy was used to define the
branch of science dealing with drugs in crude or unprepared form.
It is a broad discipline which includes concepts from:
Chemistry
Pharmacology
Botany
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Medicine
3. History of Pharmacognosy
3.1 Primitive Era
Pharmacognosy developed from ancient civilization where humans used parts of plants and
animals for healing, controlling suffering and treating diseases. Knowledge was transferred
orally and later recorded on stones, clay, parchment and paper.
3.2 Pre-Christian Era
Medicines originated in Egypt and India.
Papyrus Ebers (1600 B.C.) contains 700 medicinal herbs and more than 870
formulations.
Ayurveda developed as an ancient system of medicine.
Important texts:
o Charak Samhita
o Sushruta Samhita
Hippocrates contributed to anatomy and physiology.
Aristotle worked on animal kingdom.
Theophrastus studied plant kingdom.
3.3 Era After Christ
Dioscorides described medicinal plants in De Materia Medica (78 AD).
Galen described methods of preparation of drugs (Galenical pharmacy).
Important discoveries:
Morphine from opium (Serturner, 1806)
Cinchonine from cinchona
Strychnine and brucine from nux vomica
3.4 Modern Era
Rapid development started after 1815.
Isolation of antibiotics:
o Penicillin
o Streptomycin
Important drugs:
o Vincristine, Vinblastine (anticancer)
o Reserpine (antihypertensive)
o Digoxin (cardiotonic)
Modern pharmacognosy includes:
Isolation techniques
Pharmacological testing
Tissue culture methods
4. Scope of Pharmacognosy
4.1 Broad Scope
Pharmacognosy includes knowledge of:
History
Distribution
Cultivation
Collection
Identification
Evaluation
Preservation
Use of drugs
4.2 Scientific Scope
Helps development of plant taxonomy, genetics, pathology and biotechnology.
Involves extraction, isolation and characterization of phytochemicals.
4.3 Role in Pharmacy
Important in drug discovery and development.
Acts as a link between pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
Helps in formulation and manufacturing of dosage forms.
4.4 Healthcare Importance
80% population in developing countries rely on plant-based medicines.
More than 60% of world population uses natural products for healthcare.
4.5 Other Areas Covered
Poisonous plants
Allergens
Insecticides
Hallucinogenic plants
5. Sources of Drugs
5.1 Plant Sources
Plants are the oldest source of drugs. All parts are used: leaves, roots, bark, fruits, seeds.
5.2 Animal Sources
Insulin from pancreas
Thyroxine from thyroid
Cod liver oil (Vitamin A & D)
5.3 Marine Sources
Marine organisms provide drugs like:
Agar
Carrageenan
Cephalosporin
5.4 Plant Tissue Culture
In-vitro cultivation of plant cells used for production of metabolites and drugs.
6. Crude Drugs
Crude drugs are natural substances obtained from plant and animal sources that undergo only
simple processing like collection and drying.
Types of Crude Drugs
Organized Drugs
Have cellular structure
Examples: leaves, roots, stems, fruits
Unorganized Drugs
No cellular structure
Obtained by extraction
Examples: gums, resins, latex
7. Related Fields
Pharmacognosy is related to:
Ethnobotany
Phytochemistry
Microbiology
Marine biology
8. Importance of Pharmacognosy
Natural products contribute about 45% in modern medicine.
4000–6000 medicinal plant species are traded internationally.
Only 1–2% of plants have been studied for medicinal value.
9. Conclusion
Pharmacognosy is a fundamental and evolving branch of pharmacy dealing with natural drugs.
It connects traditional medicine with modern pharmaceutical science and plays a key role in
drug discovery, healthcare, and development of new medicines.