Pharmacognosy Chapter 2 Notes – Classification of Crude Drugs (ER20)
By Arvind Sharma, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Assistant Professor, MUIT
A2G ACADEMY
Smart Pharmacy Notes
Pharmacognosy Chapter 2 Notes – Classification of Crude Drugs (ER20)
Introduction
The classification of crude drugs is a fundamental aspect of Pharmacognosy. It involves organizing medicinal plants and their derived drugs into systematic groups based on various characteristics. This organized approach helps in the identification, study, and understanding of drug properties. For D.Pharm 1st Year students, mastering crude drug classification is essential for their PCI ER20 syllabus and for performing well in exams, as it simplifies the complex world of natural medicinal products.
Topics Covered
- Alphabetical Classification
- Taxonomical Classification
- Morphological Classification
- Pharmacological Classification
- Chemical Classification
- Chemo-taxonomical Classification
Main Notes
Classification of Crude Drugs
Classification of crude drugs means systematic arrangement of crude drugs into different groups based on specific characteristics.
Classification helps in:
- Identification of crude drugs
- Study of drugs
- Understanding properties
- Easy learning
Alphabetical Classification
Alphabetical classification is the simplest method of classification.
In this method crude drugs are arranged in alphabetical order according to their names.
Examples:
- Acacia
- Belladonna
- Cinnamon
- Digitalis
Advantages:
- Simple method
- Easy to remember
- Quick reference
Disadvantages:
- No scientific basis
- Drugs with similar properties are not grouped together
Taxonomical Classification
Taxonomical classification is based on botanical classification of plants.
Plants are classified according to family, genus and species.
Examples:
- Digitalis – Scrophulariaceae
- Senna – Leguminosae
- Datura – Solanaceae
Advantages:
- Scientific classification
- Shows natural relationships
- Useful for plant identification
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for animal drugs
- Not useful for mineral drugs
Morphological Classification
Morphological classification is based on external form and plant parts used as drugs.
Types:
- Leaves
- Roots
- Barks
- Seeds
- Flowers
- Whole plants
Examples:
- Senna – Leaves
- Ginger – Rhizome
- Cinnamon – Bark
- Clove – Flower bud
Advantages:
- Easy identification
- Simple method
- Useful for beginners
Disadvantages:
- No relation to chemical constituents
- No relation to therapeutic uses
Pharmacological Classification
Pharmacological classification is based on therapeutic uses of drugs.
Examples:
- Laxatives – Senna
- Cardiotonic – Digitalis
- Antimalarial – Cinchona
- Antihypertensive – Rauwolfia
Advantages:
- Useful for doctors and pharmacists
- Based on therapeutic action
Disadvantages:
- Drugs with multiple uses cannot be classified easily
Chemical Classification
Chemical classification is based on chemical constituents present in crude drugs.
Types:
- Alkaloids
- Glycosides
- Tannins
- Volatile oils
- Resins
Examples:
- Opium – Alkaloids
- Digitalis – Glycosides
- Clove – Volatile oil
Advantages:
- Most scientific classification
- Useful for research
- Useful for analysis
Disadvantages:
- Chemical constituents may vary
- Difficult for beginners
Chemo-taxonomical Classification
Chemo-taxonomical classification is based on both taxonomy and chemical constituents.
Plants with similar chemical constituents are grouped together.
This classification shows relationship between plant chemistry and plant taxonomy.
This method is useful in modern Pharmacognosy.
Important Points for Exams
- Alphabetical classification is the simplest method.
- Morphological classification is based on plant parts.
- Taxonomical classification is based on plant families.
- Chemical classification is based on constituents.
- Pharmacological classification is based on uses.
- Chemo-taxonomical classification combines taxonomy and chemistry.
Download Notes PDF
Other Chapters
- Chapter 1 – Introduction to Pharmacognosy https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 2 – Classification of Crude Drugs https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 3 – Quality Control of Crude Drugs https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 4 – Phytoconstituents https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 5 – Medicinal Crude Drugs https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 6 – Surgical Dressings https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 7 – Traditional Systems https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 8 – Medicinal Plants Economy https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 9 – Herbs as Health Foods https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 10 – Herbal Formulations https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 11 – Herbal Cosmetics https://a2gsmart.com/notes
- Chapter 12 – Phytochemical Investigation https://a2gsmart.com/notes
Complete Pharmacognosy Notes
Keywords
Pharmacognosy Chapter 2 Notes, Classification of Crude Drugs Notes, D Pharm Pharmacognosy ER20 Notes