Classification of Crude Drugs and Pharmacognostic Studies Scheme

Classification of Crude Drugs

• Organoleptic classification groups crude drugs into parts of plants like leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, barks, and roots.
• Glycosides are an example of an important constituent in the chemical classification of crude drugs.

Classification based on Pharmacological Action

• The main basis for grouping crude drugs according to their pharmacological action or therapeutic uses is the affected body system or disease.
• Opium acts as a sedative and hypnotic in the central nervous system.
• Veratrum album is an example of an Antihypertensive drug.
• Cinchona is used in drugs acting on the cardio-vascular system.
• Atropa belladonna is associated with Anticholinergic action.
• Digitalis is used in drugs acting on the heart.

Classification of Crude Drugs by Origin

• Crude drugs can be classified as plant-based or non-plant-based materials.
• Plant-based materials consist of parts of plants and are made up of cells.
• Non-plant-based materials are a diverse group of solid and liquid materials that do not consist of parts of plants.

Taxonomical Classification

• The Genus Glycyrrhiza belongs to the Leguminosae family.
• Angiosperms belong to the Spermatophyta Phylum and are classified under the division Angiospermae.

Alphabetical Classification

• Crude drugs are classified in alphabetical order based on their Latin and English names.

Pharmacological Classification

• 'Male fern' is associated with anthelmintic action, which is a type of drug acting on the gastrointestinal tract.
• Different drugs are classified based on their action on various body systems, such as cardio-vascular, central nervous, and gastrointestinal systems.