Pharmacognosy

Pharmacognosy

• Pharmacognosy is the study of crude drugs derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, and minerals.
• The term "pharmacognosy" comes from the Greek words "pharmakon" (drug) and "gnosis" (knowledge).
• The study of crude drugs derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, and minerals is best described as pharmacognosy.
• Crude drugs are natural substances in their raw form, without any processing or purification.

Sources of Crude Drugs

• Plants are the primary source of crude drugs, including herbs, roots, and fruits.
• Animals contribute to crude drugs in the form of venom, musk, and honey.
• Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are sources of antibiotics and other medicinal compounds.
• Minerals also play a role, contributing crude drugs such as sulfur and iron.

Scope of Pharmacognosy

• Pharmacognosy encompasses the identification, collection, cultivation, processing, standardization, and evaluation of crude drugs.
• Pharmacognosy also involves the study of the chemical constituents of crude drugs and their pharmacological activities.

'Gnosis' in Pharmacognosy

• The Greek word 'Gnosis' translates to 'knowledge'.
• In the context of pharmacognosy, 'Gnosis' signifies the knowledge or understanding of crude drugs, their origins, properties, and uses.

Test your knowledge of pharmacognosy, the study of drugs derived from natural sources. From plants to animals, microorganisms to minerals, this quiz will challenge your understanding of the origins of crude drugs.