TEXT BOOK OF PHARMACOGNOSY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY - I  (English, Paperback, Mr. Pallab Dasgupta)

Pharmacognosy, a discipline blending botany, chemistry, and pharmacology, explores the natural sources of drugs, including plants, animals, marine organisms, and even tissue cultures. It delves into the classification of drugs based on various criteria such as morphology, taxonomy, and pharmacology, offering a comprehensive understanding of their diverse properties and applications. Evaluation of crude drugs involves meticulous examination through organoleptic, microscopic, physical, chemical, and biological methods to ensure quality and efficacy. Additionally, cultivation, collection, and processing practices are crucial in maintaining the integrity and sustainability of medicinal plant resources. Pharmacognosy's role spans across different medical systems, from traditional practices like Ayurveda and Unani to modern allopathic medicine, highlighting its significance in global healthcare. Through the study of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids, Pharmacognosy unravels nature's pharmacopeia, paving the way for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents and fostering sustainable drug development.