Pharmacognosy: Crude Drugs

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1. Introduction to Crude Drugs Definition: Natural products from plants, animals, or minerals that are used in medicine without significant processing. Pharmacognosy: The study of medicines derived from natural sources. Key Aspects: Identification, evaluation, cultivation, collection, and preservation of crude drugs. 2. Alkaloid-Containing Drugs 2.1 Atropine (Belladonna, Datura, Hyoscyamus) Biological Source: Atropa belladonna (Belladonna), Datura stramonium (Datura), Hyoscyamus niger (Hyoscyamus) - Solanaceae family. Chemical Constituents: Tropane alkaloids (Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine). Uses: Anticholinergic, mydriatic, antispasmodic, pre-anesthetic medication. 2.2 Morphine (Opium) Biological Source: Dried latex from unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum (Papaveraceae). Chemical Constituents: Phenanthrene alkaloids (Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine). Uses: Potent analgesic, antitussive (Codeine). 2.3 Quinine (Cinchona) Biological Source: Dried bark of Cinchona succirubra or Cinchona ledgeriana (Rubiaceae). Chemical Constituents: Quinoline alkaloids (Quinine, Quinidine, Cinchonine, Cinchonidine). Uses: Antimalarial, antiarrhythmic (Quinidine). 2.4 Reserpine (Rauwolfia) Biological Source: Dried roots of Rauwolfia serpentina (Apocynaceae). Chemical Constituents: Indole alkaloids (Reserpine, Ajmaline, Serpentinine). Uses: Antihypertensive, sedative. 3. Glycoside-Containing Drugs 3.1 Digoxin (Digitalis/Foxglove) Biological Source: Dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea (Purple Foxglove) or Digitalis lanata (Woolly Foxglove) (Plantaginaceae). Chemical Constituents: Cardiac glycosides (Digitoxin, Digoxin, Gitoxin). Uses: Cardiotonic (strengthens heart contractions) in congestive heart failure. 3.2 Sennosides (Senna) Biological Source: Dried leaflets or pods of Cassia angustifolia (Indian Senna) or Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian Senna) (Fabaceae). Chemical Constituents: Anthraquinone glycosides (Sennosides A, B, C, D). Uses: Stimulant laxative. 3.3 Glycyrrhizin (Licorice) Biological Source: Dried unpeeled roots and stolons of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Fabaceae). Chemical Constituents: Triterpenoid saponin glycoside (Glycyrrhizin). Uses: Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, sweetening agent. 3.4 Salicin (Willow Bark) Biological Source: Bark of Salix species (Salicaceae). Chemical Constituents: Phenolic glycoside (Salicin). Uses: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic. 4. Volatile Oil-Containing Drugs 4.1 Menthol (Peppermint) Biological Source: Dried leaves and flowering tops of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae). Chemical Constituents: Monoterpenes (Menthol, Menthone). Uses: Carminative, stimulant, antiseptic, counter-irritant. 4.2 Eugenol (Clove) Biological Source: Dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtaceae). Chemical Constituents: Phenylpropanoid (Eugenol). Uses: Dental analgesic, antiseptic, carminative. 4.3 Cinnamaldehyde (Cinnamon) Biological Source: Dried bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Sri Lankan Cinnamon) or Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia Cinnamon) (Lauraceae). Chemical Constituents: Phenylpropanoid (Cinnamaldehyde). Uses: Carminative, antiseptic, flavoring agent. 5. Tannin-Containing Drugs 5.1 Gallic Acid (Galls/Nutgall) Biological Source: Excrescences on young twigs of Quercus infectoria (Fagaceae), caused by insect larvae. Chemical Constituents: Hydrolysable tannins (Gallic acid, Ellagic acid). Uses: Astringent, antiseptic, antidote for alkaloid poisoning. 5.2 Catechins (Green Tea) Biological Source: Unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis (Theaceae). Chemical Constituents: Condensed tannins (Catechins, Epigallocatechin gallate - EGCG). Uses: Antioxidant, astringent, stimulant (due to caffeine). 6. Resin and Balsam-Containing Drugs 6.1 Podophyllotoxin (Podophyllum) Biological Source: Dried rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple) or Podophyllum hexandrum (Indian Podophyllum) (Berberidaceae). Chemical Constituents: Lignan resins (Podophyllotoxin, Peltatins). Uses: Antimitotic, antiviral (warts), precursor for anticancer drugs (Etoposide, Teniposide). 6.2 Balsamic Acids (Benzoin) Biological Source: Balsamic resin from the bark of Styrax benzoin or Styrax tonkinensis (Styracaceae). Chemical Constituents: Coniferyl benzoate, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid. Uses: Antiseptic, expectorant, protective in skin preparations. 7. Lipids and Waxes 7.1 Castor Oil Biological Source: Fixed oil obtained by cold pressing the seeds of Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae). Chemical Constituents: Triglycerides, mainly ricinoleic acid. Uses: Stimulant laxative. 7.2 Beeswax Biological Source: Wax secreted by the honeybee Apis mellifera (Apidae). Chemical Constituents: Myricyl palmitate, cerotic acid. Uses: Emollient, stiffening agent in ointments and creams. 8. Polysaccharide-Containing Drugs 8.1 Tragacanth Biological Source: Dried gummy exudation from the stems of Astragalus gummifer (Fabaceae). Chemical Constituents: Polysaccharides (Tragacanthin, Bassorin). Uses: Suspending agent, emulsifying agent, demulcent. 8.2 Agar Biological Source: Dried gelatinous substance obtained from various species of red algae (e.g., Gelidium amansii , Gracilaria confervoides ) (Rhodophyceae). Chemical Constituents: Polysaccharide (Agarose, Agaropectin). Uses: Bulk laxative, emulsifying agent, gelling agent in culture media. 9. Other Important Crude Drugs 9.1 Curcumin (Turmeric) Biological Source: Dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae). Chemical Constituents: Curcuminoids (Curcumin). Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, coloring agent. 9.2 Artemisinin (Artemisia) Biological Source: Dried leaves of Artemisia annua (Asteraceae). Chemical Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactone (Artemisinin). Uses: Potent antimalarial, especially against drug-resistant strains. 9.3 Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Kola) Biological Source: Seeds of Coffea arabica (Rubiaceae), leaves of Camellia sinensis (Theaceae), nuts of Cola acuminata (Malvaceae). Chemical Constituents: Xanthine alkaloid (Caffeine). Uses: CNS stimulant, diuretic, mild analgesic adjuvant.