About Book
Pharmacognosy is a core discipline of pharmaceutical sciences that deals with the study of drugs obtained from natural sources and their identification, evaluation, quality assurance, and therapeutic significance. This textbook has been prepared in accordance with the latest pharmacy curriculum and is designed to provide a clear, systematic, and student-oriented presentation of pharmacognosy. The contents progress logically from fundamental concepts to crude drug classification, cultivation, evaluation, phytochemistry, medicinal plants, and modern developments including standardization, quality control, biotechnology, and analytical techniques. Clinical relevance, illustrations, tables, learning objectives, summaries, and review questions have been incorporated throughout the text to facilitate effective learning. This book is intended primarily for undergraduate pharmacy students, while also serving as a useful reference for postgraduate students, teachers, researchers, and professionals interested in natural products and herbal medicines. We hope this textbook strengthens conceptual understanding and encourages scientific exploration of medicinal plants and natural-product drug discovery.
About Author
Dr. G. Tharun, M.Pharm., Ph.D., is an accomplished academician, researcher, and administrator currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palamuru University, Mahabubnagar, Telangana. With over 18 years of teaching and research experience in pharmaceutical sciences, he has made significant contributions to pharmacy education, research, and academic administration. Dr. Tharun completed his D.Pharm from the Board of Examining Authority, Karnataka, and earned his B.Pharm from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru. He obtained his M.Pharm in Pharmacognosy from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and was awarded a Ph.D. by Annamalai University, Chidambaram. His academic expertise spans pharmacognosy, natural product research, pharmaceutical education, and institutional quality enhancement. Throughout his career, Dr. Tharun has held several key academic and administrative positions at Palamuru University. He served as the Head of the Department during 2012–2013, IQAC Coordinator for Criterion III (2018–2020), and Examination Coordinator for Professional Courses in the Examination Branch (2020–2023). He currently serves as a member of the DPR Committee (2024) and Coordinator for the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) (2025), contributing to institutional development, quality assurance, and academic excellence. A dedicated researcher, Dr. Tharun has published more than 17 research articles in reputed national and international journals. His scholarly contributions also include authorship of two books, five book chapters, and one Indian patent. He has actively participated in numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and faculty development programs and has served on the organizing committees of several scientific events. Through his excellence in teaching, research, academic leadership, and institutional development, Dr. Tharun continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences and the professional growth of future pharmacy graduates.
Mrs. Ankita Singh is an enthusiastic academician and emerging researcher currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Bihar College of Pharmacy, Patna. She is committed to advancing pharmaceutical education, research, and professional development through innovative teaching practices and active scholarly engagement. Despite being at an early stage of her academic career, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and has established herself as a promising contributor to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Driven by a passion for academic excellence and continuous learning, Mrs. Singh has actively participated in more than 50 seminars, workshops, and national and international conferences within a span of just three years. Her active involvement in academic and professional development programs reflects her commitment to keeping pace with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research and education. Her research interests focus on nanomedicine for breast cancer, where she is currently engaged in developing innovative therapeutic strategies to improve targeted drug delivery and treatment outcomes. She has made valuable scholarly contributions through the publication of research and review articles in reputed national and international journals. In addition, she holds two patents, highlighting her innovative approach to pharmaceutical research and product development. As an educator, Mrs. Singh has successfully guided more than 25 B.Pharm students, mentoring them in both academic and research activities while encouraging scientific curiosity and professional growth. She is also a Life Member of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Bihar State Branch, demonstrating her commitment to the advancement of the pharmacy profession. Through her dedication to teaching, research, innovation, and student mentorship, Mrs. Ankita Singh continues to make meaningful contributions to pharmaceutical sciences and aspires to develop impactful healthcare solutions while inspiring the next generation of pharmacy professionals.
Mr. Shaikh Salman Shaikh Babu, D.Pharm., B.Pharm., M.Pharm., is a dedicated academician and pharmaceutical professional currently serving as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy at Trimurti Institute of Pharmacy, Paldhi Bk, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, affiliated with Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon. With over six years of teaching experience, he has made valuable contributions to pharmaceutical education, academic administration, and research in the field of Pharmacognosy. Mr. Shaikh has developed expertise in Pharmacognosy, medicinal plants, phytochemistry, natural product research, herbal drug formulations, and pharmacognostic standardization. His academic and administrative experience has enabled him to contribute effectively to curriculum planning, departmental development, quality teaching practices, and student mentorship. He is committed to fostering a research-oriented learning environment that integrates traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with modern pharmaceutical sciences. His research interests include the identification, standardization, and evaluation of medicinal plants, phytochemical investigations, and the development of herbal formulations with potential therapeutic applications. He has published four research articles and one review article in reputed journals and holds an Indian patent, reflecting his dedication to innovation and scientific advancement. He has also participated in seven national conferences and several Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) to enhance his academic and professional competencies. In addition to his research contributions, Mr. Shaikh has authored educational resources that simplify pharmacognosy concepts and promote a deeper understanding of natural products and herbal medicines among pharmacy students. Through his dedication to teaching, research, academic leadership, and continuous professional development, he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of pharmaceutical education and medicinal plant research for the benefit of students, researchers, and the healthcare community.
Ms. Rutvi Shah is an enthusiastic and dedicated academician currently serving as an Assistant Professor at SAT Kaival College of Pharmacy (SKCOP). She completed her Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm.) in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, securing First Position in her program, which reflects her strong academic foundation and commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical sciences. Her areas of interest include medicinal plants, phytochemical research, herbal drug standardization, natural product-based therapeutics, and pharmacognostic investigations. With two years of academic experience, Ms. Shah has been actively involved in teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to the academic development of future pharmacy professionals. She is recognized for her student-centric teaching approach and her dedication to fostering a strong understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of pharmacy education. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she remains actively engaged in research and scholarly activities aimed at advancing knowledge in the field of natural products and phytopharmaceutical sciences. To further strengthen her academic and research expertise, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at LJ Institute of Pharmacy, where her research focuses on contemporary challenges and innovations in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Her pursuit of higher education demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning and scientific advancement. Ms. Shah continuously strives to bridge the gap between traditional medicinal knowledge and modern pharmaceutical research through evidence-based studies and innovative approaches. With a combination of academic excellence, teaching experience, and ongoing research endeavors, she is steadily establishing herself as a promising contributor to pharmacy education and pharmaceutical research, inspiring students and colleagues alike through her passion, professionalism, and dedication to the advancement of healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences.
Prof. Parimal Pramod Kadu, M. Pharm. (Pharmacognosy), Ph.D. Scholar, is a dedicated academician and researcher currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanjivani University, Kopargaon, District Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India. With over 17 years of academic experience in pharmaceutical education, she has established herself as an accomplished educator and contributor to the fields of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Prof. Kadu's teaching and research interests encompass medicinal plants, herbal drug technology, pharmacognostic standardization, phytochemical analysis, and natural product research. She is committed to promoting evidence-based herbal medicine and advancing the scientific understanding of medicinal plants through quality research and innovative teaching practices. She has published several research and review articles in reputed peer-reviewed journals, contributed to book chapters, and received multiple research grants in recognition of her scholarly work. Her active participation in Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), workshops, seminars, and national conferences reflects her commitment to continuous professional development and academic excellence. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Prof. Kadu serves as the Academic Coordinator and IQAC Coordinator, where she plays a vital role in curriculum development, implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), academic quality assurance, and institutional accreditation initiatives. Her leadership has contributed significantly to strengthening academic standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within pharmacy education. Through her dedication to teaching, research, academic leadership, and quality enhancement, Prof. Parimal Pramod Kadu continues to inspire students and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences and higher education.
