About Book
“Introduction to Pharmacognosy (BP105T) – Theory” is a comprehensive and student-oriented textbook designed for B.Pharm First Semester students. The book has been developed to provide a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of pharmacognosy and to introduce students to the scientific study of medicinal plants, crude drugs, natural products, and phytotherapeutic agents.
The book presents the subject in a simple, clear, systematic, and easy-to-understand language, while maintaining an appropriate academic and professional standard. Complex concepts have been explained progressively so that students can develop a clear understanding of the subject from basic principles to contemporary applications.
The book covers major areas of pharmacognosy, including pharmacopoeias, official and non-official drugs, classification of crude drugs, cultivation and collection of medicinal plants, Good Agricultural and Collection Practices, processing and storage, plant hormones, polyploidy, mutation and hybridization, conservation of medicinal plants, eco-pharmacognosy, adulteration, quality control, physicochemical evaluation, DNA barcoding, plant metabolites, traditional systems of medicine, and phytotherapeutic agents.
A significant portion of the book focuses on important medicinal plants and their biological sources, families, parts used, major chemical constituents, pharmacognostical characteristics, traditional significance, therapeutic applications, and quality-control aspects. This approach enables students to understand not only what a medicinal plant is, but also why it is important in pharmaceutical sciences.
The book also introduces students to important traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Unani, AYUSH, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), thereby highlighting the historical and continuing contribution of natural medicines to healthcare.
Key Features of the Book
• Syllabus-oriented content designed for B.Pharm students.
• Simple and student-friendly language for better conceptual understanding.
• Detailed textbook-style explanations rather than only examination-oriented notes.
• Well-organized headings and subheadings for easy navigation.
• Tables for important comparisons and quick revision.
• Coverage of biological sources, families, parts used, major constituents, and therapeutic uses of important crude drugs.
• Emphasis on pharmacognostical identification, evaluation, quality control, and standardization.
• Inclusion of contemporary concepts such as DNA barcoding, eco-pharmacognosy, conservation, and Good Agricultural and Collection Practices.
• Chapter Summary for rapid revision.
• Short Answer Questions to strengthen conceptual understanding.
• Long Answer Questions for university examination preparation.
• One-Word Questions for quick recall of important facts.
• Chapter-at-a-Glance tables for last-minute revision.
The book has been designed not merely as an examination resource but as a foundation text for understanding the role of natural products in modern pharmacy. It aims to encourage students to appreciate the scientific, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic importance of medicinal plants and to develop an interest in the expanding field of pharmacognosy and natural-product research.
It is hoped that “Introduction to Pharmacognosy (BP105T) – Theory” will be a valuable companion for B.Pharm students, teachers, and anyone beginning their study of pharmacognosy and herbal medicines.
About Author
Dr. Rajiv Yadav
Dr. Rajiv Yadavis currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, a position he has held since 2022. He possesses a strong academic background with a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics and has successfully completed his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Dr. Rajiv Yadav has made significant scholarly contributions, having authored and co-authored more than 25 research papers published in esteemed national and international journals. He has also contributed to the advancement of pharmaceutical education by authoring five academic textbooks, which have been widely appreciated for their clarity, relevance, and student-oriented approach. A passionate innovator, he holds over 35 patents in diverse domains, including novel drug delivery systems, advanced formulation technologies, and various pharmaceutical interventions. His patents demonstrate his pursuit of developing impactful scientific solutions with practical applications in healthcare and industry. Dr. Rajiv Yadav is actively engaged in academic discourse and professional development. He has presented his research at several national and international conferences and has been invited to deliver expert lectures on topics related to pharmaceutical sciences and emerging drug delivery technologies. His primary research interests encompass herbal and natural product-based formulations, nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems, and the development of sustainable and eco-friendly pharmaceutical products. Through his consistent academic, research, and intellectual property contributions, Dr. Rajiv Yadav continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of pharmaceutical sciences.
Dr.Tanya Sharma
Dr.Tanya Sharma is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in School of Pharmaceutical sciences at Apeejay Satya university . She previously worked at Deshraj College of Pharmacy (2021–2023) . From (2023 to 2026 )august she served as head of department and assistant professor at Mewar university Gangrar chittorgarh A gold medalist in B.Pharm , Dr Sharma has published over 150 research papers in reputed national and international journals and has contributed to several book chapters with publishers like Bentham Science and Elsevier. She has 3 design patents and 3 invovation patents also She Recognized as “India Young Scientist 2025” by APTI, she holds Six patents in the areas of pharmaceutical innovation, pharmacology, and advanced drug formulations. She has actively presented her research at various national and international conferences as both a participant and invited speaker. Dr.Sharma is author of 4 book entitled with Textbook of pharmacology -2 as per PCI ,Textbook of clinical pharmacy for PharmD ,Textbook of Industrial pharmacy-1 as , Textbook of General Pharmacy per PCI new curriculum Shaswant publication Her key research interests include herbal drug formulations, pharmacological evaluation, and sustainable pharmaceutical technologies.
Mr. Yashu Shukla
Mr. Yashu Shukla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Baba Mastnath University, Haryana, where he has been serving since January 2025. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmacy at Baba Mastnath University, with research interests focused on nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, novel pharmaceutical formulations, targeted drug delivery, and translational pharmaceutical research. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) from PDM College of Pharmacy, Haryana, and a Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm.) in Pharmaceutics from SGT University, Gurugram. Prior to entering academia, he gained valuable experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in Medical Affairs, Clinical Research, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He worked with Mankind Pharma, contributing to scientific communication, medical education, clinical evidence generation, KOL engagement, and product lifecycle management across Ophthalmology, Transplant Medicine, and Multispecialty therapeutic areas. He also served as an Area Manager (Product Specialist) at Lupin Digital Health, where he collaborated with cardiologists and healthcare professionals in the LYFE Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Mr. Shukla is an inventor on two patents in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and has published one research article in a peer-reviewed journal. He actively contributes to pharmaceutical research through scientific publications, intellectual property development, conference presentations, and collaborative research, with a commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences through innovation, teaching, and evidence-based research
Ms. Madhu Vashisht
Ms. Madhu Vashisht is a Research Scholar pursuing her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with an academic specialisation in Pharmacology. With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences and a focused interest in pharmacological research, she is committed to advancing scientific knowledge through meaningful research. Her research interests encompass pharmacology, neuropharmacology, neuroinflammation, traumatic brain injury, and the pharmacological evaluation of medicinal plants. Her academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to scientific enquiry, evidence-based research, and the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences. She has contributed to scholarly literature through research publications and academic work, along with professional experience in pharmacovigilance and pharmaceutical education. Through her continued research endeavours, she seeks to contribute to meaningful scientific advancement and promote innovative, evidence-based approaches in healthcare and therapeutic development.
Mr. Lalit Sharma
Mr. Lalit Sharma is an emerging pharmaceutical professional and academician with expertise in Pharmacology. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, and a Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) with specialization in Pharmacology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT University), Gurgaon, Haryana. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Jagannath University, Bahadurgarh, Haryana where he has been contributing to teaching and research for the last 2 years.
