About Book
The Textbook of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry – I provides a comprehensive foundation in the study of crude drugs and their significance in pharmacy, medicine, and allied sciences. It begins with a clear introduction to pharmacognosy, tracing its history, scope, and development while highlighting the diverse sources of drugs, including plants, animals, marine organisms, and tissue culture products. The book carefully distinguishes between organized drugs such as leaves, roots, and barks, and unorganized drugs like dried latex, juices, gums, mucilages, oleoresins, and oleo-gum-resins. It then presents systematic approaches to drug classification, covering alphabetical, morphological, chemical, pharmacological, and modern chemo-taxonomical and sero-taxonomical systems. The crucial subject of adulteration is explained with definitions and examples, helping learners identify and prevent fraudulent practices in crude drug trade. Evaluation techniques form another major focus, ranging from organoleptic and microscopic methods to chemical, biological, and advanced quantitative microscopy approaches such as the Lycopodium spore method and the use of leaf constants. Practical laboratory tools like camera lucida are also introduced for accurate diagrammatic representation. Cultivation, collection, processing, and storage of medicinal plants are described in depth, with special attention to factors like soil, climate, hormones, polyploidy, mutation, and hybridization. Conservation of medicinal plants is emphasized to ensure sustainability of natural resources. The section on plant tissue culture highlights its historical development, nutritional requirements, types, and pharmaceutical applications, including the production of edible vaccines. Pharmacognosy’s role across medical systems—Allopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, and Chinese medicine—is examined to showcase its universal relevance. Secondary metabolites are introduced through the study of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils, and resins, with emphasis on their classification, properties, and identification tests. Fibers like cotton, jute, and hemp are explained in terms of source, chemistry, and uses. Topics such as hallucinogens, teratogens, and natural allergens broaden the scope to include substances of toxicological importance. Primary metabolites including carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, and lipids are presented with details of their chemistry, preparation, evaluation, preservation, therapeutic uses, and commercial applications. Important carbohydrate drugs like acacia, agar, tragacanth, and honey are discussed in depth. Protein products such as gelatin and casein, along with enzymes like papain, bromelain, serratiopeptidase, urokinase, streptokinase, and pepsin, are studied as valuable pharmaceutical aids. Lipids including castor oil, chaulmoogra oil, wool fat, and beeswax are explained with their industrial and therapeutic utilities. Finally, the book introduces marine pharmacognosy, describing novel medicinal agents derived from oceans as an emerging frontier in drug discovery. Altogether, the book blends traditional knowledge with modern scientific perspectives, making it an essential text for pharmacy students and researchers exploring natural products.
About Author
Dr. Pritam Vijay Juvatkar is Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry at AIMS College of Pharmacy, AIMS Foundation, Vadavli, Dombivli University of Mumbai, Maharashtra. He completed his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences under Dr. Anil Jadhav Principal and Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Mahavir College of Pharmacy, Nashik and Master of Pharmacy with distinction in Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry under the guidance of Dr. Sunil Jalalpure, Principal and Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, KLES’s College of Pharmacy, Belgaum, Karnataka. He is a life member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India, (APTI) (IPA), (SFE). In his starting career, he has 9 Indian patents published, 1 National Patent, 2 International Patent, Grant and 25 international and national publications in reputed journals he also attended 35 seminars and presented 20 research papers in various national and international seminars. Under his guidance, 40 students of B.Pharm presented papers in national and international seminars. He received a research grant of Rs.8,00,000/- for the research project “ To recycle marine waste Oyster shells, dolomite lime for the preparation of various calcium and phosphorous Neutraceuticals” received under DBT’s programme “ Proposal for the use of Foldscope as a research tool” has been approved for funding by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. He also received Rs- 50,000/- for the research project “Studies on Utility Profiles of Some Phytoconstituents as Efflux Pump Inhibitors in Antimicrobial Resistance” from the University of Mumbai dated 18th Mar 2019. He is recognised guide for M.Pharma and Ph.D. in various universities. This site is prepared to give information as per the syllabus of the University of Mumbai for B.Pharmacy.
Mr. Anil Kumar, currently serving as the Assistant Professor at R.J.World College of Pharmacy Education & Technology in Jakhod, Surajgarh, Jhunjhunu (Raj), holds degrees in Pharmacy from The Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khetri, Jhunjhunu (Raj). With a remarkable 1year of teaching experience, he is a dedicated life member of IPGA, APTI. Mr. Kumar has actively participated in over 18 international and national events, showcasing his commitment to professional development. His academic prowess is evident through 6 published research papers, 2 under review, and a notable contribution of 2 Indian patents . His outstanding record spans academics, teaching, administration, and service to the Pharmacy profession.
Santhosh Kumar Banoth is an Assistant Professor at Geethanjali College of Pharmacy, Cheeriyal, Keesara, Hyderabad, Telangana. He is a highly respected academician and researcher, have over 10 years of experience in teaching. He published 3 research papers in reputed national and international journals and also co-authored a book chapter in techniques and innovative research in pharmaceutical science, during his teaching; he has guided more than 30 UG Students.
Dr. A. Kavidha is a distinguished Professor cum H.O.D of Pharmacognosy at Cheran college of pharmacy, Cheran Institute of Health Science, Coimbatore.With over 15 years of experience in Academic,she has made significant contributions to Pharmaceutical sciences. She earned her Ph.D in 2025 from prestigious Shri JJT-University. Dr. A. Kavidha holds 2 Indian patents and more than 20 International Publications reflecting her innovative research. Serving as valuable resources for UG and PG students and professionals. Her expertise and dedication continue to inspire the next generation of pharmacy professionals.
Dr. Averineni Ravi Kumar earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree form AU College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University ,Visakhapatnam in 1992, followed by an M.Pharm in Pharmacognosy in 1994. He Completed his Ph.D in Biotechnology , from BharathidasanUniveristy , Tamil Nadu in 2009 Thesis Entitled “ Ethnopharmacological Studies of Plants of Caesalpiniaceae. .With over of 32 years of Teaching and Research Experience , he has served in various academic roles, from Lecturer to Dean and is currently the Postgraduate Head of Department, Enterpreneurship Cell Cordinator at Nimra College of Pharmacy since 2021. Dr. Kumar has guided over 50 UG and PG pharmacy students and actively contributes to academic development. He has published more than 150 research articles in national and international journals, authored over 33 textbooks and book chapters and holds Twelve patents. A sought-after speaker, he has participated in numerous conferences , workshops, and faculty development programs. He has been Awarded OPF’s Oscar Principal Award in 2018, has been awarded Best Professor Award 2025 by Sceintific Laurel International Awards, has been awarded “Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s Professor Nimra College of Pharmacy Visionary Best Mentor Award 2025 by Threytayug Foundation. and Welred Foundation He is life member of APTI, IPA, ABAP, and OPF and serves and as Evaluation Chief for reputed universities.
