Introduction to Pharmacognosy

Classification of Vegetable Drugs: Alphabetical, Morphological, Pharmacological, Chemical, Pharmacological, Plant description – morphology and anatomy. The cell differentiation and organic cell contents – carbohydrates, proteins, fixed oils, gums and mucilages with emphasis on those used in pharmacy and pharmaceuticals. Biological and geographical sources and uses of plant drugs – crude drugs with particular reference to Nigerian sources. Factors involved in production of plant drugs: – climate, cultivated and wild, collection, adulteration, plant pests.

Cultivation and Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) with regards to medicinal plants. Methods of identification of crude drugs – microscopy, macroscopy, organoleptic, and chemomicroscopy of medicinal roots, rhizomes, herbs fruits, flowers, seeds etc.