About Book
The Textbook of Medicinal Chemistry-I is a comprehensive guide designed for pharmacy and medicinal chemistry students. It introduces learners to the evolution of medicinal chemistry, highlighting the history, growth, and significance of the discipline in modern drug discovery. The book begins with a thorough explanation of physicochemical properties like ionization, solubility, partition coefficient, hydrogen bonding, protein binding, chelation, bioisosterism, and stereochemistry, all of which dictate the biological action of drugs. It then progresses to drug metabolism, covering the principles of Phase I and Phase II reactions, as well as the factors—including stereochemical aspects—that influence metabolic pathways.
A major portion of the text is dedicated to drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system. Students are introduced to adrenergic neurotransmitters, with detailed discussions on the biosynthesis and catabolism of catecholamines, alongside receptor classification and distribution. Sympathomimetic agents are presented systematically, including their classification, mechanisms of action, uses, and structure–activity relationships (SAR). Both direct- and indirect-acting sympathomimetic agents are highlighted, along with those having mixed mechanisms. Adrenergic antagonists are given equal emphasis, covering both alpha and beta blockers with their SAR and clinical significance.
The cholinergic system is another core area, with explanations of acetylcholine biosynthesis, catabolism, and receptor subtypes. Parasympathomimetic agents are classified and elaborated upon, including direct-acting agents such as carbachol and pilocarpine, and indirect-acting cholinesterase inhibitors, both reversible and irreversible. The text also details cholinesterase reactivators like pralidoxime. Cholinergic blocking agents are discussed in depth, ranging from natural solanaceous alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine to synthetic derivatives like dicyclomine and ipratropium, with their SAR, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses clearly explained.
Moving into central nervous system drugs, the book explores sedatives and hypnotics, particularly benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Their SAR, mechanisms, and clinical applications are thoroughly described, along with miscellaneous sedative agents such as meprobamate and paraldehyde. Antipsychotics are then presented, classified into phenothiazines, ring analogues, butyrophenones, and other groups, with special focus on their SAR and therapeutic uses. Anticonvulsants receive dedicated coverage as well, including barbiturates, hydantoins, succinimides, benzodiazepines, and newer agents like carbamazepine, valproic acid, and gabapentin, alongside their mechanisms of action.
About Author
Mr. Laxman Prajapati is an Assistant Professor at Sri Balaji College of Pharmacy, Jaipur, with a specialization in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. He earned his B. Pharmacy from Swami Keshvanand Institute of Pharmacy in 2020 and is pursuing his M.Pharm. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Maharishi Arvind College of Pharmacy, Jaipur. His research work focuses on recombinant DNA technology in drug discovery and RP-HPLC method development for Sorafenib. With expertise in process validation, chromatographic techniques, and spectroscopic methods, he brings strong technical proficiency to his field. His academic interests include synthetic medicinal chemistry, process validation, and teaching. Driven by curiosity and passion, he strives to contribute to pharmaceutical sciences and inspire future professionals.
Shama Parveen is a GPAT-qualified pharmacist and Ph.D. scholar at the School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard. She has contributed extensively to academia through her research publications, review articles, and authorship of four books. With three years of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor at Career Point University and KCP College, she has nurtured many aspiring pharmacy students. Currently, she is serving in government service as a Pharmacist, applying her knowledge to public healthcare. Her journey reflects a blend of dedication to science, education, and community service. Passionate and committed, she continues to inspire others through her academic and professional achievements.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Bansal is Doctorate in Pharmacy. He did his B. Pharm from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, M. Pharm from Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur and Ph.D. from Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur. He also pursued a diploma in management from IGNOU. He has nineteen years of professional experience, which includes academic and industrial exposures. Presently he is working as Associate Professor and Department In charge, department of pharmacology. He is a paper setter and examiner for various universities and has published research papers in journals of national and international repute. He qualified GPAT with 99.89 percentile. He has guided many UG and PG students.
Dr. Rita Dadarao Chakole is an Associate Professor at the Government College of Pharmacy, Osmanpura, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra. With a strong academic and professional background, she has contributed significantly to pharmaceutical education and research. She is dedicated to guiding students in their academic and professional growth, fostering a culture of innovation and learning. Her expertise and commitment to teaching have made her a respected figure in the field of pharmacy. Actively engaged in both academics and research, she continues to inspire future pharmacists. Through her work, Dr. Chakole remains devoted to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and education in India.
Prof. (Dr.) Bhoomika is an esteemed academician and researcher, currently serving as a Professor at Department of Life Sciences, School of Biosciences & Technology (SBT), Galgotias University, Greater Noida (U.P.). With a strong foundation in education and a passion for research, she has carved a niche for herself in the field of Biosciences. She holds a doctoral degree from the renowned university, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, where she completed her PhD in 2013. Prior to this, she has received the degree of M.Sc. (Biochemistry) in 2005 and BSc (Zoology, Botany, Chemistry) in 2003 from Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra. Her commitment to academic excellence was further demonstrated through the qualification of National Eligibility Test (CSIR-UGC-NET) in June 2005 and Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in 2005 and 2006. In addition to her academic achievements, Prof. Bhoomika is a recipient of prestigious accolades, including being awarded the National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) from DST-SERB, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) as well as Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from DST and Research Fellowship from UGC. Her doctoral and post-doctoral research is majorly focused in the area of crop physiology and biochemistry. She has published her research work extensively in highly reputable journals and national/international conferences. Her research account is also feathered with several patents. She has an extensive experience of working at the laboratories of various premier institutes like National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), commonly known as the Pusa Institute, New Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), DRDO, Delhi for around 19 years. Her work has made significant contributions to the field, and she continues to inspire students and peers alike through her passion for teaching and research. Besides scholarly contributions in research, she is a distinguished teaching professional from around 12 years and has a vast experience of teaching a wide range of courses to BSc, MSc and PhD students viz. Biochemistry, Biomolecules, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genetic Disorders, Biology for Engineers, Environmental Science, Bioinstrumentation and Biotechniques, Bioinformatics and other allied courses. With her vast research and teaching experience, she has several edited and text books in her account. Her zeal of learning and polishing skills is prominent through her active participation in various training programs/refresher courses/short term certificate courses, time to time. With her wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to advancing the frontiers of knowledge, Prof. (DR.) Bhoomika remains a prominent figure in academia and research, shaping the future of students through her teaching, research, training programs and mentorship.
