Learn definition scope history of Pharmacognosy, it is a branch of pharmacology that deals with the study of natural products derived from plants, animals, and other natural sources.
Pharmacognosy:
It involves the identification, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds found in these natural products, as well as the study of their pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications.
Pharmacognosy plays an important role in the development of new drugs, as many of the drugs we use today are derived from natural sources or are based on compounds found in natural products.
Definition:
Pharmacognosy is a branch of pharmacology that deals with the study of natural products derived from plants, animals, and other natural sources.
Scope of pharmacognosy:
The scope of pharmacognosy can be divided into several categories:
- Study of natural sources: To the study of natural sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms to identify the active compounds that can be used in medicine.
- Extraction and isolation: Once the active compounds are identified, pharmacognosy involves the extraction and isolation of these compounds from the natural sources using various techniques such as solvent extraction, steam distillation, and chromatography.
- Characterization: To characterization of the active compounds, including their physical and chemical properties, molecular structure, and biological activity.
- Pharmacological activity: Help to explores the pharmacological activity of natural compounds, including their mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, and potential side effects.
- Quality control: Pharmacognosy is also involved in quality control of natural products, ensuring that they are free from contaminants and meet established standards of purity and potency.
- Formulation and dosage: Involved in the formulation and dosage of natural products, taking into account factors such as bioavailability, stability, and toxicity.
- Traditional medicine: Also explores the use of natural products in traditional medicine, including their cultural and historical significance, and the potential for integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices.
- Drug development: Finally, pharmacognosy plays a crucial role in drug development, as many drugs are derived from natural sources, or are inspired by natural compounds, and pharmacognosy provides the knowledge and tools necessary for the discovery and development of new drugs.
History:
Ancient times (3000 BCE – 476 CE):
- The use of natural products for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient times, with evidence of the use of plants and herbs in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman medicine.
- The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to 1550 BCE, contains over 800 medicinal plant preparations.
- Greek physicians such as Hippocrates and Dioscórides also wrote extensively on the medicinal properties of plants.
Middle Ages (5th century – 15th century):
- During the Middle Ages, Arab physicians made significant contributions to the field of pharma, including the development of new medicinal preparations and the introduction of new plants and herbs.
- The Canon of Medicine, written by the Persian physician Avicenna in the 11th century, contains descriptions of over 800 medicinal plants.
Renaissance (14th century – 17th century):
- The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in natural products for medicinal purposes, with the establishment of botanical gardens and the publication of books on herbal medicine.
- The first printed book on herbal medicine, the Herbarium of Apuleius Platonicus, was published in the 15th century.
19th century(1800s):
- The 19th century was a period of rapid growth in pharmacognosy, with the discovery of many new natural compounds, including morphine, quinine, and digitalis.
- The isolation of morphine from opium by Friedrich Serturner in 1804 marked the beginning of modern pharmacognosy.
- The development of new techniques for the isolation and purification of natural compounds, such as solvent extraction and steam distillation, also contributed to the growth of the field.
20th century(1900s):
- In the 20th century, pharmacognosy continued to evolve, with the development of new techniques for the extraction and isolation of natural compounds, and the discovery of many new active compounds with potential therapeutic uses.
- The development of chromatography in the 1950s and 1960s revolutionized the field by allowing for the separation and identification of complex mixtures of natural compounds.
Modern times (21st century):
- Today, pharmacognosy remains an important field of study, with a focus on the identification and characterization of new natural compounds, and the development of new drugs based on natural products.
- The use of modern techniques such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has greatly enhanced our ability to identify and characterize natural compounds. Pharmacognosy also plays an important role in the study of traditional medicine, including the integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare practices.
Throughout its history, pharmacognosy has played an important role in the discovery and development of new drugs and has contributed significantly to our understanding of the potential therapeutic uses of natural products.
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