Hey pharmacy students! Welcome back to AnkitStudyPoint. Today we are covering a very important topic from your D.Pharmacy 1st Year Pharmacognosy syllabus — Unit 5: Biological Source, Chemical Constituents and Therapeutic Efficacy of Crude Drugs.
This unit is very scoring in exams if you remember the category, source and use of each drug. I have written these notes in a simple, easy-to-remember format. Read them carefully, use the tables for quick revision, and you will be well prepared! 📚
📋 Categories Covered in This Unit
- Laxatives
- Cardiotonic
- Carminatives and G.I. Regulators
- Astringents
- Drugs Acting on Nervous System
- Anti-hypertensive
- Anti-tussive
- Anti-rheumatics
- Anti-tumour
- Antidiabetics
- Diuretics
- Anti-dysenteric
- Antiseptics and Disinfectants
- Antimalarials
- Oxytocic
- Vitamins
- Enzymes
- Pharmaceutical Aids
- Miscellaneous
1. 🟢 Laxatives
Definition: Laxatives are drugs that promote bowel movements and relieve constipation.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloe | Dried juice from leaves of Aloe barbadensis (Family: Liliaceae) | Aloin (Barbaloin), Aloe-emodin | Laxative, wound healing, skin conditions |
| Castor Oil | Fixed oil from seeds of Ricinus communis (Family: Euphorbiaceae) | Ricinoleic acid (major), Oleic acid | Purgative (strong laxative), used before surgery |
| Ispaghula | Dried seeds and husk of Plantago ovata (Family: Plantaginaceae) | Mucilage (Arabinoxylan) | Bulk-forming laxative, reduces cholesterol |
| Senna | Dried leaflets/pods of Cassia senna or Cassia angustifolia (Family: Leguminosae) | Sennosides A and B (anthraquinone glycosides) | Stimulant laxative, relieves constipation |
🧠 Memory Tip: "A Castor Is Sending" → Aloe, Castor oil, Ispaghula, Senna
📌 Also read: How to Prepare Castor Oil Emulsion – Pharmaceutics Practical
2. ❤️ Cardiotonic
Definition: Cardiotonic drugs strengthen the heart muscle and improve heart function.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digitalis | Dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea (Family: Scrophulariaceae) | Digitoxin, Digoxin, Gitoxin (cardiac glycosides) | Congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation |
| Arjuna | Dried bark of Terminalia arjuna (Family: Combretaceae) | Arjunic acid, Arjunolic acid, Arjunetin | Strengthens heart, reduces blood pressure, angina |
🧠 Memory Tip: "Digitalis = Digital heart monitor" — both deal with heart!
3. 🫙 Carminatives and G.I. Regulators
Definition: These drugs relieve gas and regulate the digestive/gastrointestinal system.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coriander | Dried fruits of Coriandrum sativum (Family: Apiaceae) | Linalool (volatile oil) | Carminative, digestive stimulant |
| Fennel | Dried fruits of Foeniculum vulgare (Family: Apiaceae) | Anethole, Fenchone (volatile oil) | Carminative, antispasmodic, expectorant |
| Cardamom | Dried seeds of Elettaria cardamomum (Family: Zingiberaceae) | Cineole, Terpinyl acetate | Carminative, flavoring agent |
| Ginger | Dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Family: Zingiberaceae) | Gingerol, Shogaol, Zingiberene | Carminative, antiemetic (anti-vomiting), anti-inflammatory |
| Clove | Dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (Family: Myrtaceae) | Eugenol (volatile oil) | Carminative, dental analgesic, antiseptic |
| Black Pepper | Dried berries of Piper nigrum (Family: Piperaceae) | Piperine, Piperic acid | Carminative, digestive stimulant, antioxidant |
| Asafoetida | Oleo-gum-resin from roots of Ferula asafoetida (Family: Apiaceae) | Ferulic acid, Disulphide compounds | Carminative, antispasmodic, expectorant |
| Nutmeg | Dried kernel of Myristica fragrans (Family: Myristicaceae) | Myristicin, Elemicin, Safrole | Carminative, stimulant, flavoring agent |
| Cinnamon | Dried bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Family: Lauraceae) | Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol | Carminative, antimicrobial, blood sugar control |
🧠 Memory Tip: "C F C G C B A N C" → Coriander, Fennel, Cardamom, Ginger, Clove, Black pepper, Asafoetida, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
4. 🍂 Astringents
Definition: Astringents precipitate proteins and reduce secretions. Used for diarrhea, wounds.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrobalan | Dried fruits of Terminalia chebula (Family: Combretaceae) | Chebulic acid, Tannic acid, Ellagic acid | Astringent, laxative, antibacterial |
| Black Catechu | Dried extract from heartwood of Acacia catechu (Family: Leguminosae) | Catechin, Epicatechin, Catechu-tannic acid | Astringent, antidiarrheal, mouth ulcers |
| Pale Catechu | Dried aqueous extract of leaves/young shoots of Uncaria gambier (Family: Rubiaceae) | Gambir-fluorescein, Catechin | Astringent, gargling for sore throat |
5. 🧠 Drugs Acting on Nervous System
Definition: These drugs affect the central or peripheral nervous system — either stimulating or depressing it.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyoscyamus | Dried leaves of Hyoscyamus niger (Family: Solanaceae) | Hyoscine (Scopolamine), Hyoscyamine | Sedative, antispasmodic, motion sickness |
| Belladonna | Dried leaves/roots of Atropa belladonna (Family: Solanaceae) | Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine | Anticholinergic, antispasmodic, dilates pupils |
| Ephedra | Dried stems of Ephedra sinica (Family: Ephedraceae) | Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine | Bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, stimulant |
| Opium | Air-dried latex from unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum (Family: Papaveraceae) | Morphine, Codeine, Papaverine, Thebaine | Analgesic (pain reliever), antitussive, antidiarrheal |
| Tea Leaves | Dried leaves of Camellia sinensis (Family: Theaceae) | Caffeine, Theophylline, Tannins | CNS stimulant, diuretic, bronchodilator |
| Coffee Seeds | Dried seeds of Coffea arabica (Family: Rubiaceae) | Caffeine, Chlorogenic acid | CNS stimulant, anti-fatigue |
| Coca | Dried leaves of Erythroxylum coca (Family: Erythroxylaceae) | Cocaine, Ecgonine | Local anesthetic (eye/ENT surgeries) |
🧠 Memory Tip: "H B E O T C C" → Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, Ephedra, Opium, Tea, Coffee, Coca
📌 Also read: D.Pharma HAP Nervous System Notes – AnkitStudyPoint
6. 💊 Anti-hypertensive
Definition: These drugs reduce high blood pressure (hypertension).
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rauwolfia | Dried roots of Rauwolfia serpentina (Family: Apocynaceae) | Reserpine, Ajmaline, Serpentine | Anti-hypertensive, antipsychotic (mental disorders), tranquilizer |
7. 🫁 Anti-tussive
Definition: Anti-tussive drugs suppress or relieve cough.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasaka | Fresh or dried leaves of Adhatoda vasica (Family: Acanthaceae) | Vasicine (Peganine), Vasicinone | Expectorant, bronchodilator, antitussive |
| Tolu Balsam | Balsam from trunk of Myroxylon balsamum (Family: Leguminosae) | Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl cinnamate, Cinnamic acid | Expectorant, antiseptic, flavoring agent in cough syrups |
8. 🦴 Anti-rheumatics
Definition: These drugs relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatic conditions (arthritis, gout).
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colchicum Seed | Dried corms/seeds of Colchicum autumnale (Family: Liliaceae) | Colchicine (alkaloid) | Gout treatment, anti-inflammatory |
9. 🎗️ Anti-tumour
Definition: These drugs are used in the treatment of cancer/tumours.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinca | Whole plant of Catharanthus roseus / Vinca rosea (Family: Apocynaceae) | Vincristine, Vinblastine (alkaloids) | Cancer chemotherapy — leukemia, lymphoma |
| Podophyllum | Dried rhizome of Podophyllum peltatum (Family: Berberidaceae) | Podophyllotoxin, Peltatins | Anticancer, antiviral (warts), purgative |
10. 🩸 Antidiabetics
Definition: These drugs help control blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pterocarpus | Dried heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium (Family: Leguminosae) | Pterostilbene, Epicatechin, Marsupin | Antidiabetic, used in type-2 diabetes management |
| Gymnema | Dried leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (Family: Asclepiadaceae) | Gymnemic acids, Gymnemasaponins | Antidiabetic — reduces sugar absorption, suppresses sweet taste |
💡 Fact: Gymnema is also called "Gurmar" in Hindi — meaning "sugar destroyer"!
11. 💧 Diuretics
Definition: Diuretics increase the production of urine, helping to remove excess water and salts from the body.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gokhru | Dried fruits of Tribulus terrestris (Family: Zygophyllaceae) | Protodioscin, Furostanol saponins | Diuretic, kidney stones, urinary infections |
| Punarnava | Dried whole plant or roots of Boerhavia diffusa (Family: Nyctaginaceae) | Punarnavine (alkaloid), Boerhavic acid | Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, liver tonic |
12. 🦠 Anti-dysenteric
Definition: These drugs treat dysentery — a condition involving severe diarrhea with blood/mucus.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipecacuanha | Dried roots of Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Family: Rubiaceae) | Emetine, Cephaeline, Psychotrine | Amoebic dysentery, emetic (induces vomiting in poisoning cases) |
13. 🧴 Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Definition: Antiseptics kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms on living tissue. Disinfectants are used on non-living surfaces.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzoin | Balsamic resin from Styrax benzoin (Family: Styracaceae) | Benzoic acid, Benzyl benzoate, Cinnamic acid | Antiseptic, expectorant (inhalation), skin protectant |
| Myrrh | Oleo-gum-resin from Commiphora myrrha (Family: Burseraceae) | Terpenoids, Myrrholic acids, Volatile oil | Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, mouth wash |
| Neem | Bark, leaves, seed oil of Azadirachta indica (Family: Meliaceae) | Azadirachtin, Nimbin, Nimbidin | Antiseptic, antifungal, insecticide, anti-inflammatory |
| Turmeric | Dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa (Family: Zingiberaceae) | Curcumin (main active constituent) | Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing |
🧠 Memory Tip: "B M N T" → Benzoin, Myrrh, Neem, Turmeric
📌 Also read: Microbiology Notes – Communicable Diseases | AnkitStudyPoint
14. 🦟 Antimalarials
Definition: These drugs are used to prevent and treat malaria caused by Plasmodium species.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinchona | Dried bark of Cinchona officinalis or C. succirubra (Family: Rubiaceae) | Quinine, Quinidine, Cinchonine, Cinchonidine | Antimalarial, antipyretic, antiarrhythmic (Quinidine) |
| Artemisia | Leaves of Artemisia annua (Family: Asteraceae) | Artemisinin (Qinghaosu) | Highly effective antimalarial — especially chloroquine-resistant malaria |
15. 🤰 Oxytocic
Definition: Oxytocic drugs stimulate uterine contractions — used to induce or speed up labor.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ergot | Dried sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea growing on rye Secale cereale (Family: Clavicipitaceae) | Ergotamine, Ergometrine (Ergonovine), Ergocryptine | Oxytocic (induces labor), postpartum hemorrhage, migraine |
💡 Note: Ergot is a fungal crude drug — the only one in this category derived from a fungus, not a plant!
16. 💊 Vitamins
Definition: Vitamins are essential organic compounds required in small amounts for normal body function.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cod Liver Oil | Fresh fixed oil from liver of Gadus morrhua (Gadidae family — fish) | Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) | Rickets, night blindness, bone development, immunity |
| Shark Liver Oil | Oil from liver of shark species (Family: Carcharhinidae) | Squalene, Vitamin A, Alkylglycerols | Vitamin A deficiency, immunity booster, skin health |
17. ⚗️ Enzymes
Definition: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papaya | Dried latex from unripe fruits of Carica papaya (Family: Caricaceae) | Papain (proteolytic enzyme), Chymopapain | Digestive aid, wound debridement, anti-inflammatory |
| Diastase | Obtained from malt of Hordeum vulgare (barley) (Family: Poaceae) | Amylase (Alpha and Beta) | Digestive enzyme — converts starch to sugar, digestive disorders |
| Pancreatin | Dried extract from pancreas of Sus scrofa (pig) or Bos taurus (ox) | Amylase, Lipase, Protease, Trypsin | Digestive disorders, pancreatic insufficiency |
| Yeast | Dried cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Family: Saccharomycetaceae — fungus) | B-complex vitamins, Invertase, Zymase | B-vitamin supplement, digestive aid, skin disorders |
18. 🧪 Pharmaceutical Aids
Definition: Pharmaceutical aids are substances that are not therapeutic by themselves but are used in the formulation of medicines — as binders, emulsifiers, suspending agents, etc.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Pharmaceutical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaolin | Native hydrated aluminium silicate (mineral origin) | Aluminium silicate (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) | Adsorbent, antidiarrheal, dusting powder base |
| Lanolin | Purified fat from wool of Ovis aries (sheep) | Cholesterol, Fatty acid esters | Emollient, ointment base, skin moisturizer |
| Beeswax | Wax from honeycomb of Apis mellifera (honeybee) | Myricyl palmitate, Cerotic acid | Ointment base, tablet coating, polish |
| Acacia (Gum Acacia) | Dried gum from stem of Acacia senegal (Family: Leguminosae) | Arabin (Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose, Glucuronic acid) | Emulsifying agent, suspending agent, tablet binder |
| Tragacanth | Dried gum from Astragalus gummifer (Family: Leguminosae) | Tragacanthin, Bassorin | Suspending agent, emulsifier, tablet binder |
| Sodium Alginate | Extracted from brown algae — Macrocystis pyrifera and other Phaeophyceae | Sodium salt of alginic acid (polysaccharide) | Suspending agent, thickener, wound dressings |
| Agar | Dried mucilaginous extract from red algae — Gelidium species (Family: Gelidiaceae) | Agarose, Agaropectin (polysaccharides) | Suspending agent, laxative, microbiological culture media |
| Guar Gum | Ground endosperm of seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Family: Leguminosae) | Galactomannan (polysaccharide) | Suspending/thickening agent, tablet disintegrant, laxative |
| Gelatine | Protein obtained by hydrolysis of collagen from bones/skin of animals (bovine/porcine) | Protein (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) | Capsule shells (hard/soft), plasma substitute, culture media |
🧠 Memory Tip: "K L B A T S A G G" → Kaolin, Lanolin, Beeswax, Acacia, Tragacanth, Sodium alginate, Agar, Guar gum, Gelatine
📌 Also read: Olive Oil Emulsion Preparation – Pharmaceutics Practical (Uses Acacia!)
19. 🌿 Miscellaneous
Definition: These are crude drugs that have multiple uses and do not fit into a single category above.
| Drug | Biological Source | Chemical Constituents | Therapeutic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squill | Dried sliced bulbs of Urginea maritima (Family: Liliaceae) | Scillaren A & B, Glucoscillaren (cardiac glycosides) | Expectorant, cardiotonic, diuretic, rat poison |
| Galls | Excrescences on leaves/stems of Quercus infectoria (Family: Fagaceae) caused by insect Adleria gallae-tinctoriae | Tannic acid (50–70%), Gallic acid | Astringent, antidiarrheal, used in ink making |
| Ashwagandha | Dried roots of Withania somnifera (Family: Solanaceae) | Withanolides, Alkaloids (Withanine, Somniferine) | Adaptogen, anti-stress, immunomodulator, aphrodisiac |
| Tulsi | Leaves of Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum tenuiflorum (Family: Lamiaceae) | Eugenol, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid | Adaptogen, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator |
| Guggul | Oleo-gum-resin from Commiphora wightii (Family: Burseraceae) | Guggulsterone (Z & E forms), Guggulipid | Hypolipidemic (reduces cholesterol), anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity |
⚡ Master Quick Revision Table — All Categories at a Glance
| # | Category | Drugs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laxatives | Aloe, Castor oil, Ispaghula, Senna |
| 2 | Cardiotonic | Digitalis, Arjuna |
| 3 | Carminatives & G.I. Regulators | Coriander, Fennel, Cardamom, Ginger, Clove, Black Pepper, Asafoetida, Nutmeg, Cinnamon |
| 4 | Astringents | Myrobalan, Black Catechu, Pale Catechu |
| 5 | Drugs on Nervous System | Hyoscyamus, Belladonna, Ephedra, Opium, Tea, Coffee, Coca |
| 6 | Anti-hypertensive | Rauwolfia |
| 7 | Anti-tussive | Vasaka, Tolu Balsam |
| 8 | Anti-rheumatics | Colchicum seed |
| 9 | Anti-tumour | Vinca, Podophyllum |
| 10 | Antidiabetics | Pterocarpus, Gymnema |
| 11 | Diuretics | Gokhru, Punarnava |
| 12 | Anti-dysenteric | Ipecacuanha |
| 13 | Antiseptics & Disinfectants | Benzoin, Myrrh, Neem, Turmeric |
| 14 | Antimalarials | Cinchona, Artemisia |
| 15 | Oxytocic | Ergot |
| 16 | Vitamins | Cod liver oil, Shark liver oil |
| 17 | Enzymes | Papaya, Diastase, Pancreatin, Yeast |
| 18 | Pharmaceutical Aids | Kaolin, Lanolin, Beeswax, Acacia, Tragacanth, Sodium alginate, Agar, Guar gum, Gelatine |
| 19 | Miscellaneous | Squill, Galls, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Guggul |
🎓 Important Exam / Viva Questions
- What is the biological source and active constituent of Digitalis?
- Name the alkaloids present in Opium.
- What is the active constituent of Cinchona? What is it used for?
- Why is Ergot called an oxytocic drug?
- What are pharmaceutical aids? Give four examples.
- What is the chemical constituent of Turmeric and what are its uses?
- Name two antidiabetic crude drugs with their botanical sources.
- What is Artemisinin and from which plant is it obtained?
- What is the difference between Cardiotonic and Anti-hypertensive drugs?
- What are the uses of Gum Acacia as a pharmaceutical aid?
📚 More Notes on AnkitStudyPoint
Found this helpful? Share it with your classmates! For more D.Pharmacy notes and practical guides, visit AnkitStudyPoint.
- 📄 Castor Oil Emulsion Preparation – Pharmaceutics Practical
- 📄 Olive Oil Emulsion Preparation – Pharmaceutics Practical
- 📄 D.Pharma 1st Year HAP Practical Viva Questions
- 📄 Microbiology Notes – Communicable Diseases
- 📄 D.Pharma HAP Nervous System Notes PDF
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