About Book
BP105T – Introduction to Pharmacognosy (Theory), as prescribed under the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) New Syllabus aligned with NEP 2020 (implemented from 2026–27), is a core subject designed to provide foundational knowledge of drugs obtained from natural sources. The course introduces students to the history, scope, and classification of pharmacognosy, along with various sources of crude drugs such as plants, animals, microbes, marine organisms, and minerals. It emphasizes the scientific principles involved in the cultivation, collection, processing, storage, and conservation of medicinal plants, incorporating concepts like Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) and eco-pharmacognosy to ensure sustainability. The subject also focuses on the quality control and standardization of natural drugs using organoleptic, microscopic, physicochemical, and modern techniques such as DNA barcoding. Additionally, it covers primary and secondary metabolites—including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids—and their therapeutic relevance. The course further integrates knowledge of traditional systems of medicine such as AYUSH and Traditional Chinese Medicine, highlighting their role in modern healthcare. In line with NEP objectives, the subject adopts a multidisciplinary, skill-based, and application-oriented approach, preparing students for roles in herbal drug development, phytopharmaceutical industries, research, and evidence-based use of natural medicines.
About Author
Prof. Nitha P. Mohan is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy at Dr. Moopen’s College of Pharmacy, Naseera Nagar, Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala – 673577. She is a postgraduate in Pharmacognosy with extensive experience in pharmaceutical education and research.She obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from Al Shifa College of Pharmacy, Perinthalmanna, affiliated with the University of Calicut, and her Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) degree in Pharmacognosy from Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Karnataka. She is pursueing her Ph.D. at Annamalai University, Chidambaram.
Prof. Nitha Mohan has one year of professional experience as a Pharmacist and over fifteen years of experience in the field of pharmaceutical education. She has actively participated in and presented research papers at various national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. She has authored and co-authored several research publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals.Her research interests primarily focus on herbal formulations, with particular emphasis on herbal therapeutics and plant-derived bioactive compounds targeting the nervous system. Her academic and research pursuits are directed towards exploring the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and developing scientifically validated herbal formulations for neurological and related disorders.
2.Mrs. Mariyumma kutty V T is currently working as Associate Professor in the Department of pharmacognosy at KMCT College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kallanthode, NITC- PO, Kozhikode -673601. She is a Post graduate in Pharmacognosy, She obtained D. Pharm, B.Pharm and M. Pharm from Jamia Salafiya Pharmacy College, Pulikkal under Kerala University of Health Sciences. She has participated and presented many papers in different national and international conferences and workshops. She has seven years of teaching experience. She has published several papers in national and international journals. Her research interest is formulation includes herbal formulation, phytosomes,nano drug formulation etc. She is pursuing Ph.D in JJT University.
3. Sr. Anna C K is currently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy at Caritas College of Pharmacy, Ettumanoor P.O, Kottayam-686631. She is a Post graduate in Pharmacognosy. She obtained B. Pharm from Nirmala College of Pharmacy, Muvattupuzha under the Mahatma Gandhi University and M. Pharm from Jamia Salafia Pharmacy College Malappuram under Kerala University of Health Sciences. She has participated and presented many papers in different national and international conferences and workshops. She has ten years of teaching experience. She has published several papers in national and international journals. Her research interest is formulation includes herbal formulation, Novel drug delivery system etc. He is pursuing Ph.D in Vinayaka Missions University.
4. Mrs. Asla K Kukku is currently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of
Pharmacognosy at Jamia Salafiya Pharmacy College, Pulikkal, Malappuram – 673637, Kerala.
She is a postgraduate in Pharmacognosy with an academic and research background in the field
of pharmaceutical sciences. She obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from
Jamia Salafiya Pharmacy College, Pulikkal, under the University of Calicut, and her Master of
Pharmacy (M.Pharm) in Pharmacognosy from Jamia Salafiya Pharmacy College, Pulikkal, under Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS). She has five years of teaching experience in thefield of pharmacy and has been actively involved in teaching, academic activities, student mentoring, and research. She has participated in and presented research papers at various national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and academic programmes.She has published several research papers in reputed national and international journals. She has also contributed to the field of pharmaceutical education and research through the publication of a book. In addition, she is a patent holder, reflecting her active involvement in innovation and research.Her major research interests include herbal formulations, novel drug delivery systems, floating drug delivery systems, and formulation and evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms, with particular emphasis on the development and characterization of herbal and natural-product-based formulations.
