Pharmacognostic Features of Crude Drugs

A comprehensive set of flashcards based on the pharmacognostic features of various crude drugs, detailing their scientific names, uses, dosage, and side effects.

Scientific Name: Viola odorata Linn.

Commonly known as the English violet or Florist's violet, used for medicinal purposes.

Constituents in Viola odorata

Phenolic glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, volatile oil, and odoratine.

Pharmacological Actions of Viola odorata

Expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, and laxative.

Uses/Indications of Viola odorata

Treatment for respiratory ailments like congestion, cold, cough, pneumonia, and skin disorders.

Dosage for Viola odorata

1-2 g/day, divided into three doses before meals.

Side Effects of Viola odorata

Can be slightly toxic in raw form; excess use may cause skin reactions.

Scientific Name: Punica granatum Linn.

Also known as Pomegranate, part used includes flowers, fruits, seeds.

Constituents in Punica granatum

Polyphenols, alkaloids, glucose, and fructose.

Pharmacological Actions of Punica granatum

Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant.

Uses/Indications of Punica granatum

Potent antioxidant; used for treating diabetes and cardiovascular health.

Dosage for Punica granatum

Flower extract: 50-150 mg/kg.

Side Effects of Punica granatum

Sensitivity reactions include itching and swelling; root form contains poison.

Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.

Commonly referred to as China rose or Shoe flower.

Constituents in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Steroids, flavonoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid.

Pharmacological Actions of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Refrigerant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antioxidant.

Uses/Indications of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Traditionally used to treat diabetes and hypertension.

Dosage for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

3 glasses of decoction from 1-2 flowers per 250 ml of water.

Side Effects of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Contraindicated in pregnancy due to abortifacient effects.

Scientific Name: Onosma bracteatum Wall.

Known as Sedge; used for treating bronchitis and fever.

Constituents in Onosma bracteatum

Carbohydrates, glycosides, and flavonoids.

Pharmacological Actions of Onosma bracteatum

Refrigerant, expectorant, and cardiac tonic.

Uses/Indications of Onosma bracteatum

Effective for bronchitis, fever, and inflammatory disorders.

Dosage for Onosma bracteatum

3-6 g of the extract.

Side Effects of Onosma bracteatum

Excessive usage may harm the liver.

Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis Mill.

Referred to as Aloes, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Constituents in Aloe barbadensis

Anthraquinone glycosides, resins, and polysaccharides.

Pharmacological Actions of Aloe barbadensis

Laxative, antiinflammatory, and antiseptic.

Uses/Indications of Aloe barbadensis

Used for digestive disorders and skin conditions.

Dosage for Aloe barbadensis

125-500 mg of the extract.

Side Effects of Aloe barbadensis

Excessive intake may lead to hemorrhoids and should not be used in pregnancy.

Scientific Name: Uncaria gambir Roxb.

Known as Catechu, used topically for burns and wounds.

Constituents in Uncaria gambir

Catechins and tannic acid.

Pharmacological Actions of Uncaria gambir

Astringent, antidiabetic, and antibacterial.

Uses/Indications of Uncaria gambir

Effective for gum disease and sciatica.

Dosage for Uncaria gambir

10 to 40 grains.

Side Effects of Uncaria gambir

May lower blood pressure and cause liver issues.

Scientific Name: Bambusa arundinacea Retz.

Known as Tabasheer, primarily used for respiratory diseases.

Constituents in Bambusa arundinacea

Silicic acid and oxides of iron.

Pharmacological Actions of Bambusa arundinacea

Tonic, astringent, and diuretic.

Uses/Indications of Bambusa arundinacea

Effective for tuberculosis, asthma, and bleeding.

Dosage for Bambusa arundinacea

1-3 g.

Side Effects of Bambusa arundinacea

Prolonged use may affect lung and stomach functions.

Scientific Name: Ferula foetida Regel.

Referred to as Asafoetida, used for digestive issues.

Constituents in Ferula foetida

Ferulic acid and volatile oils.

Pharmacological Actions of Ferula foetida

Antispasmodic, carminative, and expectorant.

Uses/Indications of Ferula foetida

Used for irritable bowel syndrome and asthma.

Dosage for Ferula foetida

0.3-1 g, three times a day.

Side Effects of Ferula foetida

May cause gastrointestinal issues and convulsions.

Scientific Name: Styrax benzoin Dryand.

Referred to as Benzoin, used for skin infections.

Constituents in Styrax benzoin

Benzoic acid and balsamic acid.

Pharmacological Actions of Styrax benzoin

Antiseptic and expectorant.

Uses/Indications of Styrax benzoin

Eases congestion and acts on skin ulcers.

Dosage for Styrax benzoin

250 mg - 1 g.

Side Effects of Styrax benzoin

Can cause rash in allergic individuals.

Scientific Name: Alpinia galanga Linn.

Known as Java Galangal, used for respiratory issues.

Constituents in Alpinia galanga

Volatile oils, phenolic compounds.

Pharmacological Actions of Alpinia galanga

Aromatic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant.

Uses/Indications of Alpinia galanga

Used for asthma and bronchitis.

Dosage for Alpinia galanga

2-3 g.

Side Effects of Alpinia galanga

Excessive use may cause urine retention.

Scientific Name: Curcuma amada Roxb.

Also known as Mango Ginger, primarily used for inflammation.

Constituents in Curcuma amada

Essential oils and phenolic compounds.

Pharmacological Actions of Curcuma amada

Anti-inflammatory and expectorant.

Uses/Indications of Curcuma amada

Commonly used for digestive issues and rheumatism.

Dosage for Curcuma amada

Varies as per condition.

Side Effects of Curcuma amada

Potentially irritates mucous membranes.

Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Rosc.

Commonly known as Ginger, used for various health issues.

Constituents in Zingiber officinale

Volatile oils, phenolic compounds.

Pharmacological Actions of Zingiber officinale

Aromatic, stimulant, and carminative.

Uses/Indications of Zingiber officinale

Effective against nausea, digestion issues, and pain relief.

Dosage for Zingiber officinale

Maximum 4 g/day.

Side Effects of Zingiber officinale

Might cause heartburn or irritation.

Scientific Name: Onosma echioides Linn.

Commonly known as Kings dye or alkanet root.

Constituents in Onosma echioides

Phenolic compounds and coloring agents.

Pharmacological Actions of Onosma echioides

Used as an anti-inflammatory and dye.

Uses/Indications of Onosma echioides

Effective for skin eruptions and internal organ support.

Dosage for Onosma echioides

3-5 g.

Side Effects of Onosma echioides

May cause adverse reactions with prolonged use.

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume.

Commonly referred to as Cinnamun bark.

Constituents in Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Essential oils and eugenol.

Pharmacological Actions of Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral.

Uses/Indications of Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Used for treating digestive disorders and infections.

Dosage for Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Typically 2-4 g of powder.

Side Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum

May cause oral irritation in sensitive individuals.

Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera Lam.

Commonly known as the Drumstick tree.

Constituents in Moringa oleifera

Alkaloids, glycosides, and vitamins.

Pharmacological Actions of Moringa oleifera

Antirheumatic and antihypertensive.

Uses/Indications of Moringa oleifera

Used for controlling blood sugar levels and improving immunity.

Dosage for Moringa oleifera

6-10 g.

Side Effects of Moringa oleifera

Avoid root consumption as it may contain toxic substances.

Scientific Name: Cassia fistula Linn.

Known as Golden shower senna.

Constituents in Cassia fistula

Sugar and anthraquinone glycosides.

Pharmacological Actions of Cassia fistula

Cathartic, demulcent, and antibacterial.

Uses/Indications of Cassia fistula

Used for treating constipation and skin diseases.

Dosage for Cassia fistula

25-50 mg.

Side Effects of Cassia fistula

Possible irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Scientific Name: Helicteres isora Linn.

Also known as Screw tree, part of the medicinal plant family.

Constituents in Helicteres isora

Tannins, starch, and saponins.

Pharmacological Actions of Helicteres isora

Demulcent and astringent.

Uses/Indications of Helicteres isora

Effective for asthma, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues.