Introduction to Pharmacognosy-Theory and Practical

For centuries the history of pharmacy has been interlinked with the history of pharmacognosy, or the study of materia medica, which is obtained from natural sources—mostly plants. The term “pharmacognosy” was first used in 1811 by Johann Adam Schmidt (1759–1809). It appeared first in the handwritten manuscript Lehrbuch der MateriaMedica by Johann Adam Schmidt, though published in 1811. The Pharmacy Council of India has introduced the subject Introduction to Pharmacognosy in the NEP-based B.Pharm First Semester syllabus to create awareness among students regarding the basics of Pharmacognosy, traditional medicine systems, cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants, primary and secondary metabolites, quality control of herbal drugs and phytopharmacology. The subject is designed to develop scientific understanding of medicinal plants along with their therapeutic applications in modern and traditional healthcare systems.

The present book has been carefully designed strictly according to the new NEP-based PCI syllabus. It comprehensively covers both theory and practical aspects of the subject in a simple and student-friendly manner. The book aims to strengthen conceptual understanding, analytical thinking and practical skills required for the study of medicinal plants, herbal drug standardization and natural product-based therapeutics. It is expected to serve as a useful academic resource for B.Pharm students, teachers and researchers in the field of Pharmacognosy and phytopharmaceutical sciences.

Subjective as well as specific and related objective (MCQs) questions are added to analyse the topic understanding of students.

I would first and foremost like to acknowledge the authors and publishers of various books, research articles, journals, websites and other sources that have been referred to for putting together to make this book a fine source of reference.

Author would like to acknowledge the excellent efforts of Publisher Anil Shah and Editor Naresh Daver for corrections and suggestions to bring out the theory as well as practical syllabus content in the form of semester book.