General Introduction Dioscorea, commonly known as “Yam,” refers to a genus of tuberous plants in the family Dioscoreaceae. This genus includes over 600 species, many of which are valued for their edible tubers and medicinal properties. Dioscorea species are native to tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. They are […]
Definition of Alkaloids Alkaloids are a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds that primarily contain basic nitrogen atoms. They are typically derived from plant and animal sources and have significant pharmacological effects on humans and other animals. Alkaloids are known for their wide range of biological activities and are often used in medicine, agriculture, […]
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 Alkaloids can be classified in […]
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 often play crucial roles in […]
Pharmacognosy is the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants and other natural sources. Plant tissue culture has become a vital tool in pharmacognosy, offering numerous applications in the discovery, production, and study of medicinal compounds. Here is a detailed note on the various applications of plant tissue culture in pharmacognosy: 1. Production of Secondary […]
Introduction to Chemical Classification in Pharmacognosy: Chemical classification in pharmacognosy categorizes drugs based on their chemical composition, particularly focusing on compounds derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals. This classification system is crucial for understanding the bioactive constituents of medicinal substances and their pharmacological effects. Key Criteria for Chemical Classification: Chemical classification […]
Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that has both stimulant and decongestant properties. It belongs to the class of compounds known as alkaloids and is derived from the Ephedra plant. Ephedrine is structurally similar to the naturally occurring neurotransmitter norepinephrine and has actions on the sympathetic nervous system. Uses 1. Decongestant: Ephedrine is a decongestant to […]
Hager’s Test is a chemical test that detect alkaloids, a class of naturally occurring organic compounds with basic nitrogen atoms that often exhibit pharmacological activities. This test is based on the formation of yellow precipitates when alkaloids react with Hager’s reagent. Hager’s reagent typically contains picric acid and is employed as a qualitative alkaloid screening […]
Mayer’s Test is a chemical test that detects alkaloids, a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that often possess basic nitrogen atoms and exhibit pharmacological activities. This test is based on forming a creamy or white precipitate when alkaloids react with Mayer’s reagent. Mayer’s reagent is a mercuric chloride (HgCl2) solution in a potassium iodide […]
Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring organic compounds, predominantly of plant origin, characterized by their basic nitrogen-containing structures. These compounds often exhibit pronounced physiological effects on humans and other animals. Alkaloids are known for their pharmacological activities, including analgesic, stimulant, sedative, and toxic properties. Common examples of alkaloids include morphine, caffeine, quinine, and nicotine. […]
