A cardiotonic, also known as a cardiac tonic or positive inotropic agent, refers to a substance that can enhance the strength and efficiency of the heart’s contractions, particularly the force with which the heart muscle contracts during systole. These substances exert their effects on the cardiac muscle, influencing its contractility. Cardiotonics are often used in […]
Category: Pharmacognosy
Biological Source of Castor Oil Derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), castor oil comes from a tropical perennial shrub belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Although native to East Africa, the castor bean plant is now cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for the extraction of castor oil. Chemical […]
Biological Source of Senna Senna refers to several plant species belonging to the genus Senna within the legume family Fabaceae. The most commonly used species for medicinal purposes include Senna alexandrina (Alexandrian senna) and Senna angustifolia (Indian or Tinnevelly senna). These plants are native to North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Chemical Constituents […]
Biological Source of Ispaghula Derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, Ispaghula, also known as psyllium, comes from an annual herb belonging to the Plantaginaceae family called Plantago ovata. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated in various parts of the world, including India, Pakistan, and parts of Europe, for […]
Laxatives are substances or medications that are used to promote bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They work by increasing the frequency or ease of stool passage, often by softening the stool or stimulating the intestines to move. Laxatives are commonly employed to relieve temporary constipation or to prepare the bowel for certain medical procedures. There […]
The evaluation of crude drugs is a critical process in the field of pharmacognosy, which involves the systematic and comprehensive assessment of plant, animal, and microbial materials used in traditional and herbal medicines. The objective of this evaluation is to ensure the quality, purity, authenticity, and safety of crude drugs, as well as to determine […]
Adulteration of crude drugs is a widespread problem in the herbal and traditional medicine industries. It involves the intentional or accidental mixing of genuine plant materials with other substances to increase weight, volume, or profitability while decreasing the quality and efficacy of the product. Adulteration can pose significant risks to consumer health, reduce the effectiveness […]
A chemo-taxonomical classification is an approach to categorizing drugs based on their chemical constituents, specifically focusing on the natural compounds found in various plant, animal, and microbial sources. This system helps understand drugs’ botanical and biological origins and how their chemical properties relate to their therapeutic effects. Here’s a note on the chemo-taxonomical classification of […]
Chemical classification of drugs is a systematic approach to categorizing medications based on their chemical structure, composition, and properties. This classification system is fundamental in the field of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences as it helps healthcare professionals and researchers understand the chemical characteristics of drugs, predict their behavior, and make informed decisions about their use. […]
Pharmacological classification of drugs is a systematic approach to categorizing medications based on their specific mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and the physiological or biochemical systems they target within the body. This classification system is vital in medicine and healthcare as it helps healthcare professionals understand how drugs work and how they can be applied […]