Career In Pharmacognosy

The word pharmacognosy is derived from two Greek words, ‘pharmakon’ meagning ‘knowledge’. So, pharmacognosy literally means knowledge of drugs. Pharmaconosy is one of the important branches of pharmacy. It deals with “ the study of structural, physical, chemical and sensory characters of crude druge of animal, vegetable and mineral origin and includes their history, cultivation, collection, storage and use.“ From a layman’s point of view pharmacognosy is nothing but medicinal botany. The chief functions of a pharmacognosist are ascertain the identity / authenticity of crude drug samples and to check adulteration/substitution; to study the active constituents of the drug plants/crude drugs and to investigate their chemical reactions; to devise methods for cultivation f suitable plants for commercial exploitation and so on.

Origin and Developments

Though the term pharmacognosy is a modern one, the knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses are as old as mankind. It has developed from ancient civilizations, where plants or plants parts have been used to cure human diseases / disorders. The healing power of certain herbs and plant parts such as leaves, barks, roots etc. were undoubtedly discovered by accident, but once discovered, knowledge of drugs was passed on from generation to generation.

Now a days, people are increasingly turning to indigenous systems of medicine which are holistic and not only treat diseases but also prevent them. Further, they are free from side effects. With the rising popularity of traditional systems of medicine, there is a growing demand for professionals in this field. In order to become a medical practitioner in Indian system of medicine, a format education is mandatory. Further, some of the Indian systems of medicine offer specialization in pharmacognosy at postgraduate level e.g. M. D. Ayurveda in Dravyaguna and also offer research programmes in pharmacognsy. One can take up pahrmacognosy as a career also in Indian systems of medicine Aspirants can log on to: www. Indianmedicine.nic.in for more information on Indian systems of medicine.

ACADEMICS

To have a good career in pharmacognosy, an aspirant should hold a deotorate degree (Ph. D) in Pharmacognosy or at least a Master’s in Pharmacy (M. Pharm.) with specialization in pharmaconosy. A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmachy is the minimum qualification for a career in pharmacognosy. Further, one can enter this field by first studying a Diploma in Pharmacy which is a basic course in Pharmacy. After completing D. Pharm lateral entry into B. Pharm. Course is also available.

There are about 150 institutions across the country that offers pharmacy courses, especially undergraduate courses. Some of these institutions also offer Postgraduate courses. Those who have passed 10+2 with physics, chemistry and biology or mathematics subjects are eligible to study pharmacy courses, either D. pharm. Or B Pharm Admissions to these courses are done through an entrance exam conducted by state or central government or universities.

Though pharmacognosy is taught in D. Pharm. And B. Pharm. As one of the subjects, one can get specialized in pharmacognosy only in the postgraduate level, M. Pharm. And thereafter in doctoral / post–doctoral studies. About eight specializations are offered in M. Pharm., of which pahrmacognosy is one. Many of the pharmacy / pharmaceutical related institutions in India have a separate department for pharmacognosy with laboratory facilities. Some of the universities and Institute imparting Pharmacy / Pharmacognosy courses are Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Bangalore; Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi; Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai; B. V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education & Research Development Centre, Ahmedabad; Chennai Medical College, Chennai; Charan College of Pharmacy, Ciombatore; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H. S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar.