Program Summary
Pharmacognosy is the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It explores the biological, chemical, and therapeutic properties of these natural substances and their applications in medicine. The course covers topics such as the classification, identification, extraction, and analysis of bioactive compounds, as well as their pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action. Students learn about traditional and modern approaches to natural product research, including ethnopharmacology, biotechnology, and phytochemistry. Pharmacognosy also examines the role of herbal medicine in healthcare, the standardization and quality control of natural products, and regulatory aspects related to their use. Practical aspects of the course may include laboratory techniques for the isolation and characterization of natural compounds, as well as the evaluation of their pharmacological potential. This field serves as a bridge between traditional medicine and modern pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to drug discovery and development.