About Book
Text Book of Introduction to Pharmacognosy provides a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the study of drugs obtained from natural sources and their importance in modern pharmacy and healthcare. The book begins with the definition, history, development, scope, and present status of pharmacognosy, highlighting its role in herbal medicine, natural product research, and drug discovery. It explains various natural sources of drugs, including plants, animals, microorganisms, marine organisms, minerals, and plant tissue cultures. Important historical milestones in drug discovery, such as morphine, quinine, aspirin, warfarin, penicillin, cephalosporin, Taxol, and artemisinin, are presented to demonstrate the contribution of natural products to modern therapeutics. The book also introduces major herbal and traditional pharmacopoeias, including the Indian Pharmacopoeia, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, United States Pharmacopeia, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Unani Pharmacopoeia of India, and American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Different systems of crude drug classification, along with their merits and limitations, are explained in a simple and organized manner. Considerable emphasis is placed on the cultivation of medicinal plants, WHO guidelines, factors affecting cultivation, collection, drying, processing, and storage of crude drugs. Advanced concepts such as plant hormones, polyploidy, mutation, hybridization, and enhancement of secondary metabolite production are also included. The book discusses conservation strategies, eco-pharmacognosy, value addition, and the protection of endangered medicinal plants such as Kutki and Chirata. Quality control, standardization, adulteration, and evaluation of crude drugs are covered through organoleptic, microscopic, physical, chemical, and biological methods. Important physicochemical parameters such as extractive values, ash values, moisture content, foaming index, swelling index, viscosity, refractive index, acid value, and saponification value are described along with modern approaches such as DNA barcoding and advanced analytical techniques. The book further explains primary and secondary plant metabolites, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, volatile oils, and resins. Traditional systems of medicine, including AYUSH and Traditional Chinese Medicine, are introduced with their basic principles and dosage forms. A special section is devoted to important phytotherapeutic agents such as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Amla, Milk Thistle, Kutki, Garlic, Arjuna, Gymnema, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Boswellia, Brahmi, Giloy, Neem, Andrographis, Psyllium, Aloe, Chasteberry, Shatavari, and Vasaka, with emphasis on their biological sources, constituents, and therapeutic uses. Overall, the book is designed to provide students with a strong conceptual foundation in pharmacognosy while connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, making it a useful academic resource for pharmacy students, teachers, researchers, and professionals working in herbal medicine and natural product sciences.
About Author
Dr. Nitu Singh presently working as Professor at R.G.S College of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. She has 16 years of wide experience in Pharmaceutical Education and Research. She has completed her B. Pharm, M. Pharm and Ph. D from B.N University, Udaipur, Gyan Vihar University and NIMS University, Rajasthan, India respectively. She has her credit of more than 40 research and review publications, 15 books and 2 patents. Her keen interest is in Standardization and Biological screening of Herbal drugs and Herbal formulations. She has also awarded with Woman Research Scientist in 2021 at national conference on recent advancement in Pharmaceutical, Agriculture, Science and Health Care system.
Dr. Deepak Manoj Jain (M.Pharm., Ph.D., MBA) is a Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, B. R. Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, with over 20 years of academic experience in the same institute. He completed his M.Pharm. in Pharmacognosy from B. R. Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur University in 2012, an MBA in Marketing Management from the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Indore in 2005, and a Ph.D. from Pacific University, Udaipur, Rajasthan in 2018. Dr. Deepak Manoj Jain is actively engaged in teaching and research in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. He has published 12 research articles and 10 review articles in reputed national and international journals and having 2 patents. In recognition of his excellence in teaching and research & upliftment of the pharmacy profession, he has been felicitated as a Distinguished Professor Award by Smriti College of Pharmacy, Indore, in 24 March, 2026.
Dr. Sukirti Upadhyay is currently working as a Professor in the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Faculty of Pharmacy,IFTM University, Moradabad, U.P., India. She has seventeen years of teaching experience. She completed her Ph.D. at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, UP, India. She has published 50 research papers in various national and international journals, has authored five books, and has also supervised many Ph.D. candidates. Her research interests include phyto-pharmacology and cosmetic science.
Prof. (Dr.) Abhishek Bhardwaj is serving as Principal at Shri Manmohan Sharma Vaidji Institute of Pharmacy, Bilari, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. He is an experienced academician and educational administrator in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Through his academic leadership, he has been actively involved in strengthening pharmacy education and promoting quality teaching and learning practices. His professional interests include pharmaceutical education, research, student development, and institutional advancement. He encourages students and faculty members to engage in innovative research, skill development, and professional activities. Prof. (Dr.) Bhardwaj continues to contribute toward the advancement of pharmaceutical education and the development of competent healthcare professionals.
Mr. K. Jagadish is a distinguished academician and researcher in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He holds a Master of Pharmacy degree with specialization in Pharmacognosy and Chemistry and has over 18 years of dedicated teaching and academic experience. Currently, he is serving as an Associate Professor at Rajeev College of Pharmacy, Hassan, Karnataka India. He also serves as the College Examination In-charge. Mr. K. Jagadish has made notable contributions to pharmaceutical research and education. His academic credentials include granted patents, 7 research articles, and 6 review articles published in reputed national and international peer-reviewed journals. He has actively participated in various national and international conferences, seminars, workshops and has presented several research papers and posters, contributing to the exchange of scientific knowledge. With a deep commitment to teaching, research, and innovation, Mr. K. Jagadish emphasizes academic excellence and student-centric learning. He continues to inspire students and young researchers through her mentorship and research contributions, striving to advance the field of pharmaceutical sciences.
