Definition Resins are a diverse group of solid or semi-solid organic substances derived from plant secretions, primarily from the exudates of trees and shrubs. They are typically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and acetone. Resins are known for their use in varnishes, adhesives, …
DeepakRajput 
Volatile Oils: Definition, Classification, Properties, and Tests for Identification
Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, are complex mixtures of volatile, aromatic compounds derived from plants. These oils evaporate readily at room temperature and are responsible for the fragrance and flavor of many plants. They are typically extracted by distillation, expression, or solvent extraction. Classification of Volatile Oils Volatile …
Tannins: Definition, Classification, Properties, and Tests for Identification
Definition Tannins are a group of complex polyphenolic compounds found in many plants. They have the ability to form strong complexes with proteins, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other macromolecules. Tannins are known for their astringent taste and their ability to precipitate proteins, which is why they are often used in tanning …
Flavonoids: Definition, Classification, Properties, and Tests for Identification
Definition Flavonoids are a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, characterized by a common structure consisting of two aromatic rings (A and B) joined by a three-carbon bridge that usually forms a closed pyran ring (C). They are widely recognized for their beneficial effects on health due to …
Glycosides: Definition, Classification, Properties, and Tests for Identification
Definition Glycosides are a group of organic compounds that yield one or more sugars upon hydrolysis. Structurally, a glycoside is composed of a sugar part, known as the glycone, and a non-sugar part, referred to as the aglycone or genin. These two parts are linked through a glycosidic bond, which …
Alkaloids: Definition, Classification, Properties, and Tests for Identification
Definition Alkaloids are a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds that primarily contain basic nitrogen atoms. They are typically derived from plant sources but can also be found in animals, fungi, and bacteria. Alkaloids often exhibit significant pharmacological activities, making them valuable in medicine and toxicology. Classification of Alkaloids …
 Introduction to Secondary Metabolites: Definition and Classification
Definition Secondary metabolites are organic compounds produced by plants, bacteria, fungi, and animals that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of the organism. Unlike primary metabolites (such as amino acids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates), which are essential for the basic metabolic processes of life, secondary metabolites …
Role of Pharmacognosy in the Chinese System of Medicine
Pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants and other natural sources, plays an essential role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is a holistic system of medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years and includes various therapies such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary therapy. Here’s …
Role of Pharmacognosy in the Homeopathic System of Medicine
Pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants and other natural sources, plays a significant role in the practice and development of homeopathy. Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine based on the principle of “like cures like” (similia similibus curentur) and the use of highly diluted substances. Here’s …
Role of Pharmacognosy in the Siddha System of Medicine
The Siddha system of medicine, one of the oldest traditional medical systems originating in South India, relies extensively on natural substances, primarily herbs, minerals, and animal products, for healing. Pharmacognosy, the study of drugs derived from natural sources, plays a crucial role in the development, standardization, and validation of Siddha …
