📚 D.Pharma Study Guide
Pharmacognosy Most Important Drugs — ER20-13T RGPV
Previous year paper analysis of 2022, 2023 & 2025. All repeated drugs with source, cultivation, collection, constituents & uses — in one place.
🧭 Why This Post?
Pharmacognosy (ER20-13T) is a D.Pharma 1st Year subject under RGPV Bhopal covering drugs from natural sources — plants, animals and minerals.
This post analyses three years of previous question papers (2022, 2023, 2025) and identifies every drug that appeared repeatedly in the exam.
🎯 Smart Study Strategy: Master the 16 high-frequency drugs listed below with complete details — Biological Source, Cultivation, Collection, Chemical Constituents and Therapeutic Uses. That is everything RGPV asks.
📄 RGPV Paper Pattern
| Section | Type | Attempt | Marks | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | MCQ / Fill blanks | All 20 | 20×1=20 | Attempt all |
| Section B | Short Answer | 10 of 11 | 10×3=30 | 3–4 lines |
| Section C | Long Answer | 6 of 7 | 6×5=30 | Full detail |
⚠️ RGPV Tip: Section C mein only definition likhne se marks nahi milenge. Biological Source + Cultivation + Constituents + Uses — sab zaroori hai.
⭐ Most Repeated Drugs — Complete Drug Cards
Each card has a Cultivation → Collection flowchart + full details
🔥 Frequency: ⭐⭐⭐ = All 3 papers | ⭐⭐ = 2 papers | ⭐ = 1 paper (important)
⭐⭐⭐ TOP PRIORITY
1. Fennel (Saunf)
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. | Family: Apiaceae
🌱 CultivationSandy loam soil, full sun, 15–20°C temperature
↓
🌸 FloweringAug–Oct (2nd year of growth)
↓
✂️ CollectionHarvest umbellets when 70% fruits turn green-yellow
↓
⚙️ ProcessingDry in shade, thresh & winnow to separate fruits
🌿 Biological Source
Dried ripe fruits of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Contains not less than 1.4% v/w of volatile oil.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP (India); Mediterranean region, China, Egypt.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Anethole (50–60%) — main active constituent
- Fenchone (18–20%)
- Estragole (Methyl chavicol)
- Limonene, α-Pinene
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Carminative & stomachic
- Expectorant (cough, bronchitis)
- Diuretic
- Galactagogue (increases milk)
- Flavouring in gripe water
💡 Exam Tip: Fennel cross section shows 6 vittae (oil ducts) — this is asked in microscopic character questions.
⭐⭐⭐ TOP PRIORITY
2. Senna
Cassia senna L. / Cassia acutifolia Del. | Family: Fabaceae
🌱 CultivationDry sandy soil, hot & dry climate, drought-tolerant crop
↓
🌿 GrowthReady in 3–4 months from sowing
↓
✂️ CollectionLeaves picked 2–3 times/year, before flowering begins
↓
☀️ ProcessingSun-dried, graded by size & quality, packed in bales
🌿 Biological Source
Dried leaflets & pods of Cassia senna or C. acutifolia. Two varieties — Tinnevelly (India) & Alexandrian (Egypt).
🗺️ Geographical Source
Tamil Nadu/Tinnevelly (India); Egypt, Sudan (Alexandrian Senna).
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Sennosides A & B — anthraquinone glycosides (main)
- Rhein, Aloe-emodin
- Kaempferol, Isorhamnetin
- Mucilage, Resin
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Laxative / Purgative — constipation
- Stimulates large intestine peristalsis
- Pre-operative bowel evacuation
- Haemorrhoid treatment
💡 Exam Tip: Sennosides act on large intestine — NOT small intestine. Mention this clearly in exams.
⭐⭐⭐ TOP PRIORITY
3. Digitalis (Foxglove)
Digitalis purpurea L. | Family: Scrophulariaceae
🌱 CultivationWell-drained acid soil, cool climate, partial shade
↓
📅 GrowthBiennial — takes 2 years to mature
↓
✂️ CollectionLeaves collected in 2nd year just BEFORE flowering — highest glycoside content
↓
🌡️ ProcessingRapid drying at 60°C; moisture must be ≤5%
🌿 Biological Source
Dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea. Contains not less than 0.3% total glycosides calculated as digitoxin.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Nilgiris, HP (India); UK, Germany, USA.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Digitoxin — primary cardiac glycoside
- Digoxin, Gitoxin
- Lanatoside A, B, C
- Saponin glycosides
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Cardiotonic — strengthens heart
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Atrial fibrillation & flutter
- Reduces heart rate
💡 Exam Tip: Glycoside = Aglycone (genin) + Sugar. Aglycone part is responsible for cardiac activity. Always write this in answers.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
4. Gokhru (Puncture Vine)
Tribulus terrestris L. | Family: Zygophyllaceae
🌱 CultivationGrows wild; dry, sandy & rocky wasteland soil
↓
🌸 FloweringThroughout the year in tropical regions
↓
✂️ CollectionFully ripe brown fruits collected from ground
↓
💨 ProcessingAir-dried, separated from spiny bracts
🌿 Biological Source
Dried ripe fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Two types: Bada Gokhru & Chota Gokhru (Pedalium murex).
🗺️ Geographical Source
Rajasthan, Punjab, UP (India); Mediterranean, China, South Africa.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Protodioscin — steroidal saponin (main)
- Tribulosin, Diosgenin
- Alkaloids — Harmine, Norharmane
- Flavonoids, Tannins
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Diuretic — kidney stones & dysuria
- Aphrodisiac
- Urinary antiseptic
- Antihypertensive
💡 Exam Tip: Difference between Bada Gokhru & Chota Gokhru is directly asked in exams. Remember: Bada = Tribulus terrestris, Chota = Pedalium murex.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
5. Vasaka (Malabar Nut)
Adhatoda vasica Nees | Family: Acanthaceae
🌱 CultivationTropical climate, loamy soil; propagated by stem cuttings
↓
🌸 FloweringJanuary to April season
↓
✂️ CollectionMature leaves collected before & during flowering — highest alkaloid content at this time
↓
🌑 ProcessingShade-dried; moisture must be ≤8%
🌿 Biological Source
Dried leaves, roots & bark of Adhatoda vasica Nees (syn. Justicia adhatoda).
🗺️ Geographical Source
Sub-Himalayan region, throughout India; Sri Lanka, Myanmar.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Vasicine — main quinazoline alkaloid
- Vasicinone, Vasicinol
- Adhatodine
- Essential oil, Tannins
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Expectorant (bronchial secretion)
- Bronchodilator — asthma, bronchitis
- Antispasmodic
- Uterotonic (oxytocic)
💡 Exam Tip: Vasicine is the parent compound of Bromhexine (used in cough syrups). This impresses examiners!
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
6. Opium
Papaver somniferum L. | Family: Papaveraceae
🌱 CultivationCool climate (15–20°C), loamy soil; licensed cultivation only in India
↓
🌸 FloweringFebruary–March
↓
✂️ CollectionShallow incisions made on unripe capsules at dusk; white latex flows & collected next morning
↓
💨 ProcessingAir-dried latex = raw opium; powdered for pharmaceutical use
🌿 Biological Source
Air-dried milky latex obtained by incision of unripe seed capsules of Papaver somniferum.
🗺️ Geographical Source
MP, UP, Rajasthan (India — licensed); Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Morphine (10%) — strongest analgesic
- Codeine (0.5%) — antitussive
- Papaverine — antispasmodic
- Thebaine, Noscapine
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Morphine → analgesic (severe pain)
- Codeine → antitussive (dry cough)
- Papaverine → antispasmodic
- Noscapine → cough suppressant
💡 Exam Tip: Diacetyl derivative of Morphine = Heroin. Methyl derivative of Morphine = Codeine. Common MCQ!
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
7. Ergot
Claviceps purpurea on Secale cereale | Family: Clavicipitaceae
🌾 Host PlantRye (Secale cereale) & other cereals
↓
🍄 InfectionFungal conidia infect ovaries of rye during flowering season
↓
🖤 SclerotiaPurple-black sclerotia (ergot) replace grain in 4–5 weeks
↓
✂️ CollectionHarvested with grain then hand-separated; also cultivated by artificial inoculation
🌿 Biological Source
Dried sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea, a parasitic fungus on rye and other cereals.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Russia, Poland, Germany, Spain; HP, Uttarakhand (India).
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Ergotamine — migraine
- Ergometrine — oxytocic (main)
- Ergotoxine group
- Lysergic acid derivatives
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Oxytocic — post-partum haemorrhage
- Migraine treatment (Ergotamine)
- Uterine contractions
- Vasoconstrictor
💡 Exam Tip: Ergot is a fungal drug — NOT a plant drug. "Laxative" is NOT a use of Ergot (common MCQ trap).
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
8. Asafoetida (Hing)
Ferula asafoetida L. | Family: Apiaceae
🌱 CultivationDry sandy soil, cold & dry climate; grown from seeds
↓
📅 MaturityPlant matures in 4–5 years before collection
↓
✂️ CollectionTop stem cut just before flowering; oleo-gum-resin exudes and scraped off repeatedly over weeks
↓
💨 ProcessingAir-dried; forms hard brownish-yellow masses
🌿 Biological Source
Oleo-gum-resin from rhizome & roots of Ferula asafoetida and related species.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Iran, Afghanistan (main); Kashmir (India). Common name: "Devil's Dung".
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Volatile oil 5–17% — Allyl sulphide (smell)
- Resin 40–65% — Ferulic acid
- Gum 25% — Galactose + Arabinose
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Carminative — gas & flatulence
- Antispasmodic — abdominal colic
- Expectorant
- Sedative — hysteria
💡 Exam Tip: "Devil's Dung" = Asafoetida. Allyl sulphide is responsible for its strong pungent smell. Both are direct MCQ answers.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
9. Cinchona (Jesuit's Bark)
Cinchona officinalis L. | Family: Rubiaceae
🏔️ CultivationHigh altitude (1500–2500m), cool moist climate, acid soil
↓
📅 Growth5–8 years for adequate alkaloid content in bark
↓
✂️ CollectionBark stripped from trunk & branches; coppicing method allows regrowth
↓
⚙️ ProcessingDried, made into quills or flat pieces, then powdered
🌿 Biological Source
Dried bark of Cinchona officinalis, C. succirubra, C. calisaya. Contains not less than 6% total alkaloids.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Nilgiris, Darjeeling (India); Java/Indonesia (largest producer), Peru.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Quinine — antimalarial (main)
- Quinidine — antiarrhythmic
- Cinchonine, Cinchonidine
- Quinovin (glycoside)
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Antimalarial — Quinine
- Antiarrhythmic — Quinidine
- Antipyretic & analgesic
- Bitter tonic
💡 Exam Tip: Cinchona indica is NOT a real Cinchona species — asked in 2022 MCQ. "Jesuit's Bark" = Cinchona common name.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis Mill. | Family: Liliaceae
🌱 CultivationSandy soil, tropical/subtropical climate; propagated by suckers/offsets
↓
📅 Maturity3–4 years before first commercial harvest
↓
✂️ CollectionLower mature leaves cut near base; yellow juice drains out naturally
↓
🔥 ProcessingJuice evaporated to get dried aloe (drug). Inner gel extracted separately.
🌿 Biological Source
Dried juice of leaves of Aloe barbadensis (Curacao Aloe). Gel used separately in cosmetics.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Gujarat, Rajasthan (India — largest producer); Curacao, Barbados.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Barbaloin — anthraquinone glycoside (main)
- Isobarbaloin, Aloe-emodin
- Resin (Aloeresin)
- Acemannan (in gel), Vitamins C & E
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Laxative / Purgative
- Wound healing & burns
- Anti-inflammatory (skin)
- Herbal cosmetic / moisturiser
💡 Exam Tip: Gel ≠ Juice. Gel = inner pulp (acemannan). Juice = outer cells (barbaloin). This difference is important.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
11. Sandalwood Oil
Santalum album L. | Family: Santalaceae
🌳 CultivationSemi-parasitic tree; needs host plant; dry deciduous forest
↓
📅 Maturity30–60 years for heartwood to develop maximum oil content
↓
🪓 CollectionHeartwood & roots cut; government-licensed felling only (protected in India)
↓
💧 ProcessingHeartwood chipped & powdered; steam distilled to extract volatile oil
🌿 Biological Source
Volatile oil from heartwood & roots of Santalum album.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, AP (India — best quality); Australia, Indonesia.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- α-Santalol + β-Santalol (~90%) — main
- Santenone, Santenol
- α-Santalene, β-Santalene
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Urinary antiseptic (gonorrhoea)
- Perfumery & herbal cosmetics
- Expectorant (bronchitis)
- Skin diseases — anti-inflammatory
💡 Exam Tip: Sandalwood oil is both a volatile oil AND a herbal cosmetic — it can be asked under either topic in paper.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
12. Spirulina
Spirulina platensis | Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
🏊 CultivationOpen raceway ponds; alkaline water pH 8–10; sunlight & CO₂ needed
↓
📅 GrowthDoubles in population every 2–5 days (fast growth)
↓
🔍 CollectionAlgae harvested by filtration through fine screens
↓
💨 ProcessingSpray-dried or drum-dried to form fine green powder or tablets
🌿 Biological Source
Dried biomass of cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis or S. maxima.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Lake Chad (Africa), Lake Texcoco (Mexico); commercially grown worldwide including India.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Protein 60–70% — all essential amino acids
- Phycocyanin — blue pigment, antioxidant
- β-Carotene, Vitamin B12
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Iron
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Nutraceutical / Dietary supplement
- Antioxidant (phycocyanin)
- Immunomodulator
- Anti-anaemia (iron + B12)
💡 Exam Tip: Spirulina is NOT a plant — it is a cyanobacterium. Contains more protein per gram than meat. Important for nutraceutical topic.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
13. Cod Liver Oil
Gadus morrhua L. | Family: Gadidae (Animal Source)
🐟 SourceLiver of Atlantic cod (Gadus morrhua)
↓
✂️ CollectionLivers removed immediately after catch; kept on ice to prevent spoilage
↓
💧 ExtractionLiver steamed; oil separates and floats to surface
↓
⚙️ ProcessingChilling (removes stearin), deodorised, standardised for Vitamins A & D content
🌿 Biological Source
Fixed oil from fresh liver of Gadus morrhua. Contains Vitamin A (min 600 IU/g) & Vitamin D (min 85 IU/g).
🗺️ Geographical Source
North Atlantic Ocean — Norway (largest producer), Iceland, Canada, UK.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Vitamin A (Retinol) — night vision
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) — bones
- EPA — Eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3)
- DHA — Docosahexaenoic acid (omega-3)
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Rickets & Osteomalacia
- Night blindness (Vit A deficiency)
- Bone & teeth development
- Cardiovascular protection (omega-3)
💡 Exam Tip: Shark liver oil = Vitamin A only. Cod liver oil = Vitamins A + D both. DHA = Docosahexaenoic acid. Common MCQ difference.
⭐⭐ HIGH PRIORITY
14. Rauwolfia (Sarpagandha)
Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. | Family: Apocynaceae
🌱 CultivationHumid tropical climate, partial shade, loamy soil; propagated by seeds or root cuttings
↓
📅 Maturity2–3 years for roots to develop adequate alkaloid content
↓
✂️ CollectionRoots dug in autumn or spring (from 2–3 yr plants); highest alkaloid content after flowering
↓
🌑 ProcessingWashed, cut into pieces, shade-dried; moisture must be ≤12%
🌿 Biological Source
Dried roots of Rauwolfia serpentina. Contains not less than 0.15% of reserpine group alkaloids.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Sub-Himalayan region, Bihar, Bengal, Assam (India); Sri Lanka, Myanmar.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Reserpine — main antihypertensive
- Rescinnamine, Deserpidine
- Ajmalicine (Raubasine)
- Serpentine, Yohimbine
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Antihypertensive (Reserpine)
- Sedative / Tranquiliser
- Antipsychotic
- Antiarrhythmic (Ajmalicine)
💡 Exam Tip: Reserpine is isolated from roots of Rauwolfia. Common one-word MCQ answer.
⭐ IMPORTANT
15. Ginger (Adrak / Sonth)
Zingiber officinale Roscoe | Family: Zingiberaceae
🌱 CultivationTropical climate, rich loamy soil, partial shade; rhizomes planted Feb–March
↓
💧 IrrigationEvery 10–15 days; requires 8–10 months to mature
↓
✂️ CollectionFresh ginger at 6 months; Dry ginger (Sonth) at 8–10 months after planting
↓
☀️ ProcessingRhizomes washed, peeled (or unpeeled), sun-dried; bleached with lime water
🌿 Biological Source
Dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale. Fresh = "Adrak"; Dried = "Sonth" or "Shunthi".
🗺️ Geographical Source
Kerala, Karnataka (India — largest producer); Jamaica (best quality), China.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Gingerols — fresh ginger (pungency)
- Shogaols — dry ginger (more pungent)
- Volatile oil — Zingiberene (main)
- Gingerin (resin), Starch
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Carminative & stomachic
- Antiemetic (nausea, vomiting)
- Stimulant & diaphoretic
- Anti-inflammatory (arthritis)
💡 Exam Tip: Gingerols (fresh) → converted to Shogaols (dry) on drying — this is why dry ginger is more pungent and medicinally stronger.
⭐ IMPORTANT
16. Papain
Carica papaya L. | Family: Caricaceae
🌱 CultivationTropical climate, well-drained fertile soil; fruits in 9–12 months
↓
✂️ CollectionShallow incisions on unripe GREEN fruits; white latex flows out
↓
🧪 ExtractionLatex collected in containers; spread in thin layers
↓
🌡️ DryingDried at max 70°C to preserve enzyme activity; crude papain powder obtained
🌿 Biological Source
Dried latex from green unripe fruits of Carica papaya. Contains proteolytic enzyme papain.
🗺️ Geographical Source
Throughout tropical India; Tanzania (main exporter), Sri Lanka, West Indies.
⚗️ Chemical Constituents
- Papain — main proteolytic enzyme
- Chymopapain A & B
- Caricain (Papaya peptidase I)
- Lysozyme, Lipase
💊 Therapeutic Uses
- Digestive aid (protein digestion)
- Wound debridement
- Anti-inflammatory
- Meat tenderiser (food industry)
💡 Exam Tip: Papain from unripe fruit only. Drying temperature must NOT exceed 70°C to preserve enzyme activity.
⚡ Quick Revision Table
Last-minute revision — all 16 drugs at a glance
| # | Drug | Scientific Name | Family | Key Constituent | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fennel | Foeniculum vulgare | Apiaceae | Anethole | Carminative |
| 2 | Senna | Cassia senna | Fabaceae | Sennosides A & B | Laxative |
| 3 | Digitalis | Digitalis purpurea | Scrophulariaceae | Digitoxin, Digoxin | Cardiotonic |
| 4 | Gokhru | Tribulus terrestris | Zygophyllaceae | Protodioscin | Diuretic |
| 5 | Vasaka | Adhatoda vasica | Acanthaceae | Vasicine | Expectorant |
| 6 | Opium | Papaver somniferum | Papaveraceae | Morphine (10%) | Analgesic |
| 7 | Ergot | Claviceps purpurea | Clavicipitaceae | Ergotamine, Ergometrine | Oxytocic |
| 8 | Asafoetida | Ferula asafoetida | Apiaceae | Allyl sulphide | Carminative |
| 9 | Cinchona | Cinchona officinalis | Rubiaceae | Quinine | Antimalarial |
| 10 | Aloe Vera | Aloe barbadensis | Liliaceae | Barbaloin | Laxative/Wound |
| 11 | Sandalwood Oil | Santalum album | Santalaceae | α-Santalol, β-Santalol | Antiseptic |
| 12 | Spirulina | Spirulina platensis | Cyanobacteria | Phycocyanin, Protein | Nutraceutical |
| 13 | Cod Liver Oil | Gadus morrhua | Gadidae | Vitamins A & D, DHA | Rickets/Night blind |
| 14 | Rauwolfia | Rauwolfia serpentina | Apocynaceae | Reserpine | Antihypertensive |
| 15 | Ginger | Zingiber officinale | Zingiberaceae | Gingerols, Zingiberene | Antiemetic |
| 16 | Papain | Carica papaya | Caricaceae | Proteolytic enzyme | Digestive/Wound |
✍️ RGPV Exam Answer Format
Follow this for Section C (5-mark long answers) to get full marks
📝 Standard 5-Mark Drug Answer Format
1. Introduction — 1–2 lines introducing the drug2. Biological Source — Scientific name (underlined), plant part used
3. Geographical Source — Indian states + world countries
4. Cultivation & Collection — soil, climate, collection time & method
5. Chemical Constituents — main compound bold/underlined, percentage if known
6. Therapeutic Uses — 3–4 uses in bullet points (NOT paragraph)
7. Dose / Preparation — optional but earns bonus marks
- Write scientific names in italics or underlined — examiners check this
- Bold or underline the main chemical constituent in answers
- Write therapeutic uses as numbered/bulleted list — never as paragraph
- Always mention plant family — asked in MCQ and scores in long answers too
- Allocate 15–18 minutes per 5-mark long answer
- Use clear headings for each section — improves presentation marks
🛠️ Free Tools at AnkitStudyPoint
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🎯 Final Summary
Pharmacognosy does not require memorising the whole textbook. These 16 drugs are asked repeatedly in RGPV ER20-13T. Master their source, cultivation, collection, constituents and uses — and you are exam-ready.
Use the Quick Revision Table the night before exam. Follow the Answer Format in Section C. Structured answers with scientific names and bullet-point uses always score more marks in RGPV. All the best! 💪
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