Department of Pharmacognosy
InTake
06
Level of Study
Post Graduate Degree
Mode Of Program
Choice Based Credit System(CBCS)
Duration
2 years (4 Semester)
Overview
The Department of Pharmacognosy is devoted to the scientific study of medicinal plants and natural products, exploring their chemistry, biological properties, and therapeutic potential. It forms a vital link between traditional systems of medicine and modern pharmaceutical research. The department aims to impart comprehensive knowledge on the identification, authentication, cultivation, collection, and evaluation of crude drugs obtained from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals.
With well-equipped laboratories and modern analytical facilities, the department provides an excellent platform for both teaching and research in areas like phytochemistry, standardization of herbal formulations, extraction and isolation of bioactive constituents, and quality control of herbal drugs. The faculty members are highly experienced and committed to nurturing students with strong theoretical foundations and practical skills relevant to academia, industry, and research.
Research activities focus on exploring natural resources for novel drug molecules, validating traditional medicinal claims through scientific approaches, and developing herbal products that meet global standards. The department also promotes collaboration with industries and research organizations to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern technology.
Overall, the Department of Pharmacognosy strives to create competent professionals dedicated to advancing the field of natural product research and herbal drug development
Definition and scope of Pharmacognosy
Pharmacognosy is the branch of pharmaceutical science that deals with the study of drugs obtained from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals. It involves the identification, extraction, isolation, and evaluation of bioactive substances used in the preparation of medicines.
The scope of Pharmacognosy is vast, encompassing herbal drug standardization, phytochemical analysis, quality control, and the development of new therapeutic agents from natural products. With the growing global interest in herbal and alternative medicine, the field continues to expand in both academic and industrial sectors. Pharmacognosy holds great importance in bridging traditional medicinal knowledge with modern scientific validation. It contributes to the discovery of safer and more effective drugs, promotes sustainable use of medicinal plants, and ensures quality assurance in herbal formulations.
Career opportunities for Pharmacognosy graduates include positions in pharmaceutical industries, herbal drug manufacturing units, research and development organizations, quality control laboratories, academia, and regulatory agencies. Professionals can also pursue careers in natural product research, nutraceutical development, and clinical trials involving herbal medicines
Infrastructure & Facilities
The Department of Pharmacognosy is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support advanced teaching, research, and training in natural product studies. The department houses spacious laboratories dedicated to crude drug identification, extraction, isolation, and phytochemical screening of bioactive compounds. Modern instruments such as rotary evaporators, Soxhlet extractors, UV–Visible spectrophotometers, digital microscopes, and chromatographic systems (TLC and HPTLC) are available to facilitate qualitative and quantitative analysis of herbal drugs.
A well-maintained Herbal Garden with a wide variety of medicinal plants serves as a valuable resource for practical learning and research on plant identification and cultivation. The Museum of Crude Drugs displays authenticated samples of medicinal plants and natural products, helping students understand their morphology and pharmacognostic features.
The department also includes a Research Laboratory with analytical facilities for advanced phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Computer and internet access support literature review, data analysis, and digital learning.
In addition, the department maintains collaborations with research institutes and pharmaceutical industries to promote innovation and applied learning. The well-qualified faculty and supporting staff ensure a strong academic and research environment that nurtures curiosity, scientific thinking, and skill development among students.
Curriculum & Courses Offered.
List of courses by year
D Pharm
- Pharmacognosy (I Year)
B Pharm
- Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry I (Semester IV)
- Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry II (Semester V)
- Herbal Drug Technology (Semester VI)
Pharm D
- Pharmacognosy and Phtopharmaceuticals (II Year)
M Pharm (Pharmacognosy)
- Advanced Pharmacognosy I & II
- Phytochemistry
- Industrial Pharmacognostical technology
- Medicinal plant biotechnology
- Indian system of medicine
- Herbal cosmetics
Achievement and Recognition
- Student projects and innovation – 02
- Immobilization technique employed in pharmaceutical field
- Ethno-botanical survey at Sree Siddaganga Math
Industry Collaboration
Industry collaborations – 01
Collaborated with Prakruthi Products Private Limited, Bangalore
Research
Ongoing Research Projects– 2024-25
- Ongoing research projects – 01
- Areas of research focus – Phytochemistry, herbal formulations, Ayurvedic formulations
- Recent publications – 01
- a. Antiallergic activity and Mast cell stabilization of Aerial parts of Solanum torrvum on experimental animals
Faculty
Dr. Kuntal Das
Professor and HOD
Mr. M Shanthamurthy
Associate Professor
Mr. K C Prashanth Kumar
Assistant Professor
Mr. Sagar T R
Assistant Professor