JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD B. Pharmacy II Year PHARMACOGNOSY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY-I Previous Question Paper (July - 2021 - R17)

Drugs of natural origin are derived from diverse biological and chemical sources, categorized as follows:

• Plant Source: The most significant source, providing active constituents like alkaloids, glycosides, and volatile oils. Examples include Digitalis (cardiac glycosides), Cinchona (quinine), and Opium (morphine).
• Animal Source: Drugs obtained from animal organs, fluids, or secretions. Examples include Honey (from Apis mellifera), Cod liver oil (from fish), and Insulin (from the pancreas of sheep or cattle).
• Mineral Source: Inorganic substances used in medicine. Examples include Kaolin, Bentonite, Talc, and Liquid paraffin.
• Marine Source: Derived from marine organisms like algae, fungi, and sponges. Examples include Agar (from red algae) and Alginic acid (from brown algae).
• Microbial Source: Drugs produced by microorganisms through fermentation or extraction. Examples include Penicillin (from Penicillium chrysogenum) and Streptomycin (from Streptomyces griseus).
• Synthetic/Semi-synthetic Source: Drugs manufactured chemically or modified from natural precursors. Examples include Aspirin (synthetic) and semi-synthetic derivatives like semi-synthetic penicillins.

Natural drugs are classified based on their morphological and cellular structure into organized and unorganized drugs.

Organized Drugs: These are direct parts of the plant or animal body that possess a definite cellular structure. They are typically obtained by simple physical processes like drying or cutting. Examples include leaves (Senna, Digitalis), flowers (Clove), seeds (Nux vomica), fruits (Fennel), and barks (Cinchona, Cinnamon).

Unorganized Drugs: These are products obtained from plants or animals through physical processes such as incision, drying, or extraction with solvents. They do not possess a distinct cellular structure and are often in the form of dried latices, gums, resins, or extracts. Examples include Agar, Acacia gum, Tragacanth, Aloe, and Opium.