Trease and Evans' Pharmacognosy/

Abstract

This textbook provides a comprehensive study of pharmacognosy, focusing on medicinal substances obtained from natural sources, particularly plants and, to a lesser extent, animals. It examines the biological and geographical origins of natural drugs, medicinal plant taxonomy, plant morphology and anatomy, and the identification and microscopic examination of crude and powdered drugs. The book explores phytochemistry, including the chemical constituents of medicinal plants, secondary metabolites, alkaloids, glycosides, volatile oils, resins, saponins and other pharmacologically active compounds. It also discusses the production, processing, storage, quality control and standardisation of crude drugs, alongside the pharmacological activities and therapeutic applications of natural products. Further topics include the discovery of new drugs from natural sources, herbal medicines, traditional and complementary systems of medicine, plant-derived anticancer agents, toxic plants and naturally derived pesticides. The text serves as an important reference for pharmacy students, pharmacognosy researchers and pharmaceutical professionals interested in medicinal plants, natural product chemistry and the development of plant-based medicines.