General Introduction Tragacanth is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of the genus Astragalus. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and various industries for its excellent emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Tragacanth gum is prized for its viscosity, stability in acidic conditions, …
Agar: Introduction, Chemistry, Sources, Preparation, Evaluation, Preservation, Storage, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Utility
General Introduction Agar, also known as agar-agar, is a gelatinous substance derived from red algae, particularly from the genera Gelidium and Gracilaria. It is widely used in microbiology, food industry, and pharmaceuticals due to its unique gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Â Detailed Study with Respect to Chemistry Chemical Nature: – …
Acacia: Introduction, Chemistry, Sources, Preparation, Evaluation, Preservation, Storage, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Utility
General Introduction Acacia, commonly known as gum arabic, is a natural gum derived from the hardened sap of various species of the Acacia tree. Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal are the primary sources of this gum. Gum arabic has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, food, and pharmaceutical industries …
Teratogens: Study of Biological Source, Chemical Nature, and Uses of Drugs of Natural Origin
Teratogens are substances that can cause congenital abnormalities or birth defects in a developing fetus when a pregnant woman is exposed to them. These substances can affect the fetus at any stage of pregnancy but are particularly harmful during the organogenesis period (the first trimester). Biological Sources Teratogens can be …
Hallucinogens: Study of Biological Source, Chemical Nature, and Uses of Drugs of Natural Origin
 Biological Source Hallucinogens are a diverse group of substances that originate from various plant, fungal, and animal sources. Some notable examples include: 1. Psilocybin Mushrooms: – Species: Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe semilanceata – Family: Hymenogastraceae 2. Peyote Cactus: – Species: Lophophora williamsii – Family: Cactaceae 3. Ayahuasca: …
Hemp: Study of Biological Source, Chemical Nature, and Uses of Drugs of Natural Origin
Biological Source Scientific Name: Cannabis sativa L. Family: Cannabaceae Part Used: The bast fibers obtained from the stem of the hemp plant. Â Chemical Nature Hemp fibers are primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin. These components contribute to the mechanical properties and versatility of hemp fibers. Chemical Composition: – …
Conservation of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants are invaluable resources for traditional and modern medicine, providing natural remedies for various ailments. However, overexploitation, habitat loss, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting practices pose significant threats to their survival. Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard these plants and ensure their sustainable use for future generations. 1. Importance …
Mutation and Hybridization in Medicinal Plants
Introduction: Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in various traditional medicinal systems for treating ailments and promoting health. With advancements in science and technology, researchers have delved into understanding the genetic makeup of these plants to enhance their medicinal properties. Two key processes that play a significant role in …
Polyploidy: Definition, Types, Mechanism and Application
Polyploidy is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of more than two complete sets of chromosomes in an organism’s cells. This phenomenon can occur naturally or be induced artificially and has significant implications for the genetics, evolution, and ecology of organisms. Here’s a detailed note on polyploidy: 1. Types …