D pharma First Year Notes

What is Pharmacognosy? Pharmacognosy is the scientific and systematic study of the structural, physical, chemical, and biological characters of crude drugs — along with their history, methods of cultivation, collection, and preparation for market. The word comes from two Greek words: Pharmakon (a drug) and Gignosco (to acquire knowledge). Simply put, it is the study … Read more

Introduction of classification of Drugs Drugs are chemical constituents which are obtained by the natural/herbal sources or synthetic source. Technically and legally the term drug as defined in India under Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 reads as follows. Classification of Drugs Alphabetical classification of Drugs Alphabetical classification is the simplest way of classification of … Read more

What is Adulteration? Adulteration is defined as the admixture of a genuine article with spurious or harmful substances, resulting in a poorer quality product. It is one of the most serious concerns in the quality control of crude drugs. Common examples: Methods of Drug Adulteration Adulteration may be accidental or deliberate. It is especially common … Read more

Alkaloids Introduction The term alkaloid (meaning “alkali-like”) refers to basic nitrogenous compounds of plant origin that are physiologically active. Over 21,000 alkaloids have been identified so far. They contain at least one nitrogen atom, are generally insoluble in water (but their salts are water-soluble), and are freely soluble in organic solvents like ether and chloroform. … Read more

LAXATIVES Laxatives are drugs that loosen the bowels and promote intestinal evacuation. They are indicated in constipation and for bowel clearance before diagnostic procedures or surgery. Aloe Castor Oil Ispaghula (Isabgol) Senna Leaves CARDIOTONICS Cardiotonic drugs increase the force of contraction of the heart muscle (myocardium). Examples include Digitalis, Squill, Arjuna bark, and several synthetic … Read more

What Are Surgical Dressings? A surgical dressing refers to any material — used alone or in combination — applied to cover a wound. The purpose of a dressing is to protect the wound and promote proper healing. Key functions of surgical dressings: Classification of Surgical Dressings A. Fibres B. Fabric C. Bandages D. Rubber and … Read more

Traditional Systems of Medicine Traditional systems of medicine have always played an important role in meeting global healthcare needs. In India, the major recognized systems are Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy. Though Homoeopathy originated in Germany in the 18th century, it has been fully assimilated into Indian culture and is now considered part of the … Read more

Introduction The term medicinal plant covers any plant — or part of a plant such as its fruit, seed, stem, bark, flower, leaf, stigma, or root — used for medicinal purposes. The word “herb” itself is derived from the Latin herba and the old French herbes. India has been recognised since ancient civilisation as one … Read more

What Are Nutraceuticals? A nutraceutical is defined as a substance — a food or part of a food — that, in addition to its normal nutritional value, provides health benefits including the prevention of disease or promotion of health. Nutraceuticals are used to: The major disease areas where nutraceuticals have been studied and applied include … Read more

Introduction Herbal cosmetics are preparations that use plant-derived ingredients for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. This chapter covers six major herbal cosmetic agents — their sources, chemical constituents, commercial preparation methods, and their therapeutic and cosmetic uses. Aloe Vera Gel Chemical Constituents Barbaloin, Aloesin, Anthraquinone glycosides, Aloe-emodin-anthrone, Chrysophanic acid, Choline salicylate, Saponins. Therapeutic Uses Cosmetic … Read more