Pharmacognosy Courses in India

Pharmacognosy Courses in India are actually types of Pharmacy Courses in India as they deal with natural medicines, which have been a part of Indian Culture, since long. Pharmacognosy is a medical field which studies medicines derived from natural sources. These resources include mainly plants as well as other types of organisms like various types of microbes (bacteria, fungi, etc.) and various marine organisms. The word Pharmacognosy is derived from two Greek words, 'Pharmakon' meaning 'Drug' and 'Gnosis' meaning 'Knowledge'. Therefore, Pharmacognosy literally means knowledge of drugs. The American Society of Pharmacognosy defines Pharmacognosy as "The study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs or drug substances of natural origin as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources." Pharmacognosy is one of the important branches of Pharmacy. It deals with the study of structural, physical, chemical and sensory characters of crude drugs of animal, vegetable and mineral origin and includes their history, cultivation, collection, storage and use. Pharmacognosy is interdisciplinary, drawing on a broad spectrum of biological and socio-scientific subjects, including Botany, Ethnobotany, Medical Anthropology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Herbal Medicine, Chemistry, Biotechnology, (Phytochemistry), Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy. Pharmacologists are responsible for the discovery of hundreds of chemicals used in the treatment of disease and the relief of human and animal suffering.

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Medical Ethnobotany - It is the study of the traditional use of plants for medicinal purposes.

• Ethnopharmacology - It is the study of the Pharmacological qualities of traditional medicinal substances.

• Phytotherapy - It is the study of the medicinal use of plant extracts.

• Phytochemistry - It is the study of chemicals derived from plants (including the identification of new drug candidates derived from plant sources).

• Zoopharmacognosy - It is the process by which animals self-medicate, by selecting and using plants, soils, and insects to treat and prevent disease.

• Pharmacognosy-Biotechnology - It is the synthesis of natural bioactive molecules using biotechnology.

• Herbal Interactions - It is the study of the interactions of herbs with other drugs and body.

• Marine Pharmacognosy - It is the study of chemicals derived from marine organisms.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis.
2. Medicinal Plant Biotechnology.
3. Herbal Drug Development & Standardization.
4. Phytochemistry Practicals.
5. Seminar + Assignments.

Objectives

1. To maximise the use of natural sources in the manufacture of medicines without harming the environment.
2. To improve and develop methods and related processes.
3. To remove all unethical practices and promote ethical practices for the common good of the humanity.

Basic Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Aspiring candidates should have passed 10+2 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology to be able to pursue B. Pharma. After completing his/her bachelor degree in Pharmacy one can go for M. Pharm in Pharmacognosy.

• 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 Pharmacognosy.

• One can also pursue a Diploma course in Pharmacy before taking admission in B.Pharma. Pharmacognosy is taught in D. Pharma. and B.Pharma as a subject. 

• One can get specialization in pharmacognosy only at the postgraduate level, M. Pharma. Pharmacognosy Courses in India thereafter can be pursued in doctoral / post doctoral studies. About eight specializations are offered in M. Pharm., of which pharmacognosy is the one.

Pharmacognosy Colleges in India

• Bundelkhand University.
• College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal.
• Poona College of Pharmacy.
• Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi.
• National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER).

Personal Attributes - A candidate aspiring to be a Pharmacologist should have a strong scientific background with a particular interest in medical research and developments in healthcare. One needs to be organised and methodical when collecting and analysing data and to be able to work accurately and pay great attention to detail. A combination of practical laboratory skills, enquiring mind, a creative and innovative approach to work are the perfect ingredients for becoming a Pharmacologist.

Job Perspectives

Nowadays, 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 formal education is mandatory. One can become a medical practitioner in Indian system of medicines. Government of India appoints Doctors from Indian system of Medicines under the aegis of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy).

Various State Governments also appoint Doctors in the respective states in the department of AYUSH from time to time. After completing Masters in Pharmacognosy, one can pursue Ph.D. and take up a career in teaching in colleges and universities. These days many pharmaceutical Companies offer excellent job avenues for this field in their Research and Development wings. Government of India also holds a promise for job in the R&D section of AYUSH. There are still many diseases for which treatments and cures are not available, such as AIDS, cancer, cystic fibrosis, malaria. One can also move into medical sales, medical writing or specialist recruitment for the pharmaceuticals industry, and you would also be eligible to apply for a shortened medical degree course to train as a doctor. Many pharmaceutical companies are multinational, so there may be opportunities to work overseas.

Some Job Types

• Biochemist.
• Biomedical Scientist.
• Doctor.
• Food Scientist.
• Forensic Scientist.
• Microbiologist.
• Pharmacist.
• Professor.
• Deputy Director - Medicinal Plants.
• Consultant.

Some Employment Areas

• Educational Institutes.
• Hospitals.
• Public Health Department.
• Research and Development Organisations.
• National Medicinal Plants Board.
• Forest Department.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.