PHARMACOGNOSY - THEORY
Course Code: ER20-13T
75 Hours (3 Hours/week)
Scope: This course is designed to impart knowledge on the medicinal uses of various drugs of natural origin. Also, the course emphasizes the fundamental concepts in the evaluation of crude drugs, alternative systems of medicine, nutraceuticals, and herbal cosmetics.
Course Objectives: This course will discuss the following aspects of drug substances derived from natural resources.
Occurrence, distribution, isolation, identification tests of common phytoconstituents
Therapeutic activity and pharmaceutical applications of various natural drug substances and phytoconstituents
Biological source, chemical constituents of selected crude drugs and their therapeutic efficacy in common diseases and ailments
Basic concepts in quality control of crude drugs and various system of medicines
Applications of herbs in health foods and cosmetics
Course Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to
Identify the important/common crude drugs of natural origin
Describe the uses of herbs in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals
Discuss the principles of alternative system of medicines
Describe the importance of quality control of drugs of natural origin
CHAPTER 1 (2 HOURS)
Definition, history, present status and scope of Pharmacognosy
CHAPTER 2 (4 HOURS)
Classification of drugs:
Alphabetical
Taxonomical
Morphological
Pharmacological
Chemical
Chemo-taxonomical
CHAPTER 3 (6 HOURS)
Quality control of crude drugs:
Different methods of adulteration of crude drugs
Evaluation of crude drugs
CHAPTER 4 (6 HOURS)
Brief outline of occurrence, distribution, isolation, identification tests, therapeutic activity and pharmaceutical applications of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, volatile oils, tannins and resins
CHAPTER 5 (30 HOURS)
Biological source, chemical constituents and therapeutic efficacy of the following categories of crude drugs.
Laxatives Aloe, Castor oil, Ispaghula, Senna
Cardiotonic Digitalis, Arjuna
Carminatives and G.I. regulators Coriander, Fennel, Cardamom, Ginger, Clove, Black Pepper, Asafoetida, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
Astringents Myrobalan, Black Catechu, Pale Catechu
Drugs acting on nervous system Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, Ephedra, Opium, Tea leaves, Coffee seeds, Coca
Anti-hypertensive Rauwolfia
Anti-tussive Vasaka, Tolu Balsam
Anti-rheumatics Colchicum seed
Anti-tumour Vinca, Podophyllum
Antidiabetics Pterocarpus, Gymnema
Diuretics Gokhru, Punarnava
Anti-dysenteric Ipecacuanha
Antiseptics and disinfectants Benzoin, Myrrh, Neem, Turmeric
Antimalarials Cinchona, Artemisia
Oxytocic Ergot
Vitamins Cod liver oil, Shark liver oil
Enzymes Papaya, Diastase, Pancreatin,Yeast
Pharmaceutical Aids Kaolin, Lanolin, Beeswax, Acacia, Tragacanth, Sodium alginate, Agar, Guar gum, Gelatine
Miscellaneous Squill, Galls, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Guggul
CHAPTER 6 (3 HOURS)
Plant fibres used as surgical dressings: Cotton, silk, wool and regenerated fibres
Sutures – Surgical Catgut and Ligatures
CHAPTER 7 (8 HOURS)
Basic principles involved in the traditional systems of medicine like: Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy
Method of preparation of Ayurvedic formulations like: Arista, Asava, Gutika, Taila, Churna, Lehya and Bhasma
CHAPTER 8 (2 HOURS)
Role of medicinal and aromatic plants in national economy and their export potential
CHAPTER 9 (4 HOURS)
Herbs as health food:
Brief introduction and therapeutic applications of:
Nutraceuticals, Antioxidants, Pro-biotics, Pre-biotics, Dietary fibres, Omega-3-fatty acids, Spirulina, Carotenoids, Soya and Garlic
CHAPTER 10 (4 HOURS)
Introduction to herbal formulations
CHAPTER 11 (4 HOURS)
Herbal cosmetics:
Sources, chemical constituents, commercial preparations, therapeutic and cosmetic uses of: Aloe vera gel, Almond oil, Lavender oil, Olive oil, Rosemary oil, Sandal Wood oil
CHAPTER 12 (2 HOURS)
Phytochemical investigation of drugs