Pharmacognostical Crude drug Profile:

Name of Biological Family Use

drugs sources

Agar Gelidium amansii, Gelidaceae Emulsifying agent

gracilaria Bulk laxative

Guar gum Cyamopsis Leguminosae Protective colloids

tetragonolobus Disintegrating agent

Acacia {gum acacia} Acacia Arabica Leguminosae Demulcent

Suspending agent

Tragacanth Astragalus gummifer Leguminosae Thickening

Emulsifying agent

Bees wax Apis mellifeca Apidae Ointment, plasters,

polishes, candles.

Castor oil Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Cathartic, lubricant

Cocoa butter Theobroma cocao sterculiaceae

 Suppositories &
ointments, creams

Cod liver oil Gadus morrhua gadidae Rickets, nutritive

Linseed oil(flax seed) Linum Linaceae Demulcent, drying

usitatissimum oil, scabies, cresol
with soap

Shark liver oil Hypoprion   Antixeropthalmic

brevirostris factor, burn, sun burn
ointment

Rice bran oil Oryza sativa graminae Antioxidant

vegetable ghee

Lard Abdomen of the hog suidae Ointment base

sus scrofa

Honey(madhu) Apis mellifera, Apis Apidae   order- Demulcent,

dorsata hymenoptera antiseptic,
sweetening agent.

Isapgol Plantago ovata Plantaginaceae Pharmaceutical aid,

laxative
 pectin Citrus limonis,    Rutaceae Adsorbent,
C. aurantium thickening agent

Starch Zea mays, oryza Graminae Disintegrating agent,

sativa demulcent

Volatile Oil:

Name of Biological sources Family Use

drugs
Mentha oil Mentha piperita Labiatae Carminative,
(peppermint flavouring agent
oil)

Coriander Coriandrum sativum Umbelliferae Aromatic, gripping

(Dhania) action

Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicumnees Lauraceae Carminative,

(Dalchini) stomachic, mild
Astringent
Cassia C.  cassia Lauraceae Carminative,
stimulant, spices

Lemon peel Citrus limonis Rutaceae Perfuming flavour

Orange peel Citrus aurantium Rutaceae flavouring

Lemon grass Cymbopogon flexuousus, C.citrate Graminae As source of citral

Citronella Cymbopogon nardus Graminae Mosquito repellent

cream

Caraway Carum carvi Umbelliferae Flavouring

(Ajwan) carminative

Clove Eugenia caryophyllus Myrtaceae Dental analgesic

(Laung)

Spearmint Mentha spicata Labiatae Flavor-toothpaste

Mouth wash

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Umbelliferae Expectorant,

(sauf) flavouring,
carminative

Nutmeg Myristica fragrans Myristicacea

 Aromatic
stimulant,
rheumatism

Cardamom Elettaria cardamomum Zingiberaceae Compound

tincture,
flavouring.

Dill Anethum graveolens Umbelliferae Dill & gripe water,

flavor.

Eucalyptus E.globulus Myrtaceae Counter-irritant,

antiseptic, nasal
drops expectorant

Chenopodium C.ambrosioidesvar.anthelminticum chenopodiaceae Anthelmintic,

Round worms
(Ascaris), expels
hook worm

Valerian Valeriana wallichi valerianaceae Antispasmodics,

tranquillizing

Musk Musk dearMoschus Cervidae Stimulant In t/t

 moschiferus Hysteria, perfume.
Gaultheria oil Gaultheria procumbens Ericaceae Counterirritant
(wintergreen ) rheumatism

Sandalwood Santalum album Santalaceae Dysurea, perfume

Palmarosa Cymbopogon martini stapf Graminae Insect repellent

Perfumery, skin
disease, cosmetics

Resin

B
Name of Family Use
iological
drug
source
Ginger Zingiber officinale zingiberaceae Aromatic, flavor,
carminative

capsicum Capsicum annum Solanaceae Stomachic, counter-

irritant in rheumatism

Turmeric Curcuma longa zingiberaceae Anti-inflammatory

Asafoetida Ferula foetida Umbelliferae

 Carminative, nervine
stimulant.

Jalap Ipomoea purga convolvulaceae Powerful cathartic

Benzoin (Sumatra & Styrax benzoin, Styraceae Expectorant, antiseptic

siam) S.tonkinesis carminative

Podophyllum P.hexandrum, Berberidaceae Purgative, veneral worts

P.emodi

Tolu balsam Myroxylon Leguminosae Expectorant, flavouring

balsamum Antiseptic.

Peru balsam Myroxylon Leguminosae Scabies, wounds, ulcers,

balsamumvar. bedsores, flavouring agent
pereirae

Myrrh Commiphora Burseraceae Stimulant, antiseptic

molmol

Cannabis Cannabis sativa Cannabinaceae Narcotic, sedative,

(moraceae) analgesic

Colophony Pinus species pinaceae Stimulant, diuretic

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Tannins

Name of drug Biological Family Use

source
Gambir(pale catechu) Uncaria Gambir Rubiaceae Astringent ,dyeing,
tanning

Black catechu(katha, Acacia catechu Leguminosae Astringent, cough,

cutch) cooling, digestive.

Gall (gall tannic acid) or Quercus infectoria Fagaceae Antidote

oak tree

Myrobalan (harde) Terminalia Combretaceae Triphala, laxative.

chebula
Arjuna bark Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae Cardio tonic, diuretic 

Ashoka bark Saraca indica Leguminosae Uterine tonic, sedative

Amla Emblica officinalis  Euphorbiaceae Inks, hairoil, shampoo

rich source of vit.c

Baheda (bahera ) Terminalia Combretaceae Purgative, astringent

belerica

Saponin glycosides

Name of drug Biological Chemical Use

Source constituents
Liquorice (mulethi) Glycyrrhiza glabra Glycyrrhizin-K & Ca salt of Expectorant,
Var.glandulifera glycyrrhizinic acid, demulcent,
Leguminosae Var.violacea liquiritin, isoliquiritin. antispasmodics,
Var.typica flavouring, anti-
inflammatory.

Ginseng  (panax) Panax ginseng Ginsenosides, panaxosides- Immunomodulatory

P. japonica oleanolic acid, panaxadiol,
Araliaceae P.notoginseng panaxatriol
 P.quinquefolium Stimulant, sedative,
aphrodisiac,
demulcent.

Dioscorea (yam) Dioscorea deltoidae Diosgenin (a steroidal Precursor for

D.composita sapogenin)-smilagenin, synthesis of
Dioscoreaceae D.flouribunda epismilagenin, β-isomer corticosteroids, sex
D.villosa yammogenin hormones, oral
  contraceptives.

Senega(syrup, liquid Polygata senegavar. Senegin- Stimulant

extract, conc. latifolia torret gray. senegenin+senegenic expectorant,
infusion) Polygala acid+presenegenin chronic bronchitis,
chinensis(Indian) polygalic acid, polygalitol- irritation of gastric
Polygalaceae Polygala alba (white) sweet taste, mucosa, large doses
  methylsalicylate causes vomiting
 

Cardio active sterol

Name of drug Biological Chemical Use

Source constituents
Digitalis  (foxglove)
Scrophulariaceae
Dried leaves of  purpurea glycoside Congestive heart
Digitalis purpurea A & B, gitaloxin, failure (CHF), atrial
D.lanata(wooly), verdoxin digitoxin, fibrillation, atrial
D.lutea(straw), gitoxin flutter.
D.thapsi(spanish)

Squill (Indian squill, jangli Dried slices or Scillaren A & B Cardio tonic,
pyaj) bulbs of  Urginea (proscillaridin A, expectorant,
maritima Scillaridin A) stimulant,
Liliaceae (European) (proscillaridin B, anticancer
U.indica Scillaridin B) activity.
kunth(Indian )

Strophanthus Dried ripe seeds of  k-strophanthin, stro Cardiac glycoside

Strophanthus -phanthidin, k- (iv- route )-onset of
Apocynaceae kombe oliver, strophanthoside, β- action 5-10 min.
S.hispidusde cymarin cymarol
candolle, S.emini,
S.sarmentosus,
S.nicholsoni,
S.courmontii

Thevetia (yellow- Dried seeds of  Triosides Poisonous,

oleander)Marketed T.peruviana (Theventin-thevetin abortifacient,
“encordin” merrill A & B cereberoside, purgative,
 T.neriifoliajuss. peruvoside,nerrifolin, febrifuge.
Apocynaceae thevenerin,
peruvosidic acid )

Anthraquinone glycoside

Name of drug Biological Chemical Use

Source constituents
Senna (Indian& Dried leaflets of Sennosides A,B,C,D Purgative, griping
Alexandrian) Cassia angustifolia Rhein dianthrone, 6- effect-resin or
vahl., C.acutifolia hydroxy musizin, emodin content,
Leguminosae delile tinnevelin, aloe emodin, increase in
(Brontrager’s test) kaempferol peristalsis-soft&
bulky faeces.

Aloe (Curacao, Cape Dried juices leaves Aloesin-C glucosyl Purgative –colon,
Socotrine, Zangiber ) Aloe barbadensis, chromone, barbaloin, counter effect of
A.perryi Baker, aloe-emodin anthrone griping action
Liliaceae A.ferox miller, C-10 glucoside, aloe- given with
A.africana miller, emodin, isobarbaloin, β - carminative
A.spicata barbaloin
(Nitrous acid, Nitric
acid, Cupraloin- Aloe gel,
Klunge’s
compound
isobarbaloin,Modified
Anthraquinone test) tincture of
benzoin
(friar’s
balsam),

aloin, aloes
powder
Rhubarb (Indian & Dried rhizomes Rhein, glucorhein, Bitter stomachic,
Chinese) ofRheum emodi emodin, aloe-emodin, diarrhea,
Wall Rhaponticin,physcion purgative.
Polygonaceae R.palmatumLinn Chrysophanol,Palmidin
(modified brontrager’s R.webbianumRoyle A, B, C.
test) R.rhaponticum

Cascara Dried bark of O & C-glycoside, Bitter stomachic,

Rhamnus Cascarosides A,B,C,D Tonic, Purgative
Rhamnaceae purshiana de
(modified brontrager’s candolle Barbaloin, chrysaloin,
test) R.californica, chrysophanol, palmidin
R.fallax A,B,C.  Lactone (bitter –
taste)

Others

Name of drug Biological Chemical Use

Source constituents
Psoralea (bavchi) Dried ripe Psoralen, isopsoralidin, Leucoderma, leprosy,
fruits Psoralea psoralidin, corylifolin, psoriasis. Diuretic,
Leguminosae corylifolia bavachromanol, psoralenol. laxative,
(Yellow fluorescence anthelmintic(seeds)
in uv light in alc.&
NaOH solution)

Ammi majus Fruits of Xanthotoxin, bergapten, Idiopathic vertigo

Ammi majus isopimpilin, imperatorin Increase t formation of
Umbelliferae (furanocoumarin) melanin pigment in
the skin on exposure
 to uv light

Ammi visnege Dried ripe Khellin, visnagin, khelloside, Smooth muscle

(khella, picktooth) fruits of Ammi samidine, relaxant, coronary
visnege visnadine,dihydrosamidine vasodilator in angina
Umbelliferae (furanocoumarin) pectoris, bronchial
asthma, whooping
cough.

Saffron (kesar) Dried stigmas Crocin(crocetin+gentiobiose), Colouring (food dye)

& upper parts crocetin, picrocrocin (bitter) flavouring agent,
Iridaceae of styles (glucose+safranal),protocrocin stimulant
crocus sativus (2 mol.picrocrocin+crocin) Antispasmodics,
Emmenagogue.

Chirata Herbs of Ophelic acid (bitter yellow), Bitter tonic,

Swertia chiratin, amarogentin febrifuge,ayurvedic
Gentinaceae chirata (phenolic carboinic acid ester preparation“sudarshan
S.peniculata of sweroside), gentianine & powder”-chronic fever
S.ciliata gentiocrucine (alkaloids)
S.densifolia

Quassia Stem woods of Amaroid compounds-Quassin, Bitter tonic, enema to

picrasma neoquassin, isoquassin expels thread worms,
Simarubaceae excelsa insecticidal properties
 (picrasmin) & 18-hydroxy Pediculosis (lotion).
quassin

Gentian Dried Gentiopicroside (gentiopicrin) Bitter tonic to

fermented – gentiogenin + glucose, stimulant gastric
Gentianaceae rhizomes & amarogentin, amaroswerin, secretion & improving
(light blue roots of yellow gentioside, gentinin (mixture appetite
florescense under uv gentian of gentiopicrin & gentisin)
radiation) Gentian lutea

List of traditional drug:

Name of drug Biological Chemical Use

Source constituents
Shatavari (shatmuli) Dried roots & Shatavarin 1-lV, Galactogogue, tonic,
leaves of quercetin, rutin, diuretic, antioxytocic
Liliaceae Asparagus hyperoside, Diosgenin, property,Rheumatism,
racemosus wild quercetin. nervine disorder, in
threatened abortion and
safe delivery

  Anti-inflammatory
Bhilawa Fruits of
Semicarpus
Anacardiaceae anacardium

Kantkari Whole plant Solasonine(glycoalkaloid) Expectorant, febrifuge,

Solanum Solasodine, solamargine, carminative.
Solanaceae xanthocarpum carpesterol, norcapesterol
 

Kalijiri Centratherum   Anthelmintic, tonic,

anthelminticum stomachic.

Bach Dried rhizomes Asaraldehyde, asarone, Carminative, vermifuge.

of Acorus eugenol, acorine-bitter
Araceae calamus

Rasna Dried rhizomes Galangol, alpinol, Aromatic, stimulant,

of Alpinia galangin, sorghumol carminative, catarrhal
Zingiberaceae  officinarum dioxyflavanol,bochmerd. antibacterial,
A.galanga Rheumatism.

Punarnava (rakta) Dried herbs Punarnavine, Diuretic, expectorant,

boerhaavia punernavoside stomachic, jaundice
Nyctaginaceae diffusa
 B.repens,
B.procumbens

Neem All parts of the Azadirachitin, nimbin, Antifeedant,attractants

plant nimbidin, salinin and Repellant, insecticide,
Meliaceae Azadirachta nimbolin B, meliantrol, Nematicide, growth
indica salanin, nimatone, disruptor, antimicrobial.
Melia quercetin.  
azadirachta

Shilajit(tin, lead,gold Exudates from Fulvic acid 7-methoxy Antistress,aphrodisiac,

copper,silver,black iron) rock carboxy biphenyl diabetes, improve the
strength & complexion of
body..

Gymnema (gurmar) Dried leaves of Gymnemic acids- Antidiabetic agent,

Gymnema glucoronic, tartaric acid astringent, stomachic,
Asclepidaceae sylvestre tonic, refrigerant, aid in
dieting and weight
control.

Guggul Gum resin of E-guggulsterone Hypolipidaemic,

(Guglip tablet) Commiphora Z-guggulsterone hypocholesterolaemic,
mukul Guggulsterol astringent, antiseptic,
(Burseraceae)
 bitter stomachic,
carminative, appetizer &
uterine stimulant.

Lahsun (garlic) Fresh ripe bulbs (+)-S-allyl-L-cysteine Antithrombotic,diuretic

of sulfoxide (alliin), allicin expectorant,diaphoretic,
(Liliaceae) Allium sativum (diallyl thiosulphonate), antibacterial,larvaecidal
E-ajoene & Z-ajoene disinfectant, inhibit
platlets aggregation

Methi (fenugreek) Dried ripe seeds Trigofoenoside- Hypoglycemic, anti-

of Trigonella A,B,C,D,E,F,G inflammatory, antiulcer
(Leguminosae) foenumgraceum Trigonelloside C, Antidiabetic,
yamogenin tetroside B&C Antineoplastic  
Tenugrin B, graecunins
A,B,C,H,I,J,K,L.

Adulsa (vasaka) Dried leaves of Vasicine, vasicinol, Expectorant,hypotensive,

Adhatoda vasicinone, adhatonine Antimicrobial
(Acanthaceae) vasica Nees abortifacient effect

Brahmi Dries arial parts Asiatic acid, madecassic Diuretic, Nervine tonic,
(Apiaceae ) of leaves of acid, asiaticoside, leprosy, eczema,anabolic
Centella asiatica madecassoside sedative, anticonvulsant
 Baccopa Immunity promoting
(scrophulareacae) monnieri agent (bhrami ghrita &
(nirbrahmi) asthanga ghrita )

Shankhapushpi Whole dried Kaempferol, kaempferol- Nervine tonic (epilepsy,

herbs of 3-glucoside, 6-methoxy- insanity, nervous
(Convolvulaceae) Convolvulus 7-hydroxy coumarin, n- debility) improve
pluricanlis hexacosanol. 3,4- memory, reduce fighting
choisy dihydroxy cinnamic response
acids

Gokhru (chota) Dried ripe fruits Terestrosins ABCDE, Diuretic properties,

(Zygophyllaceae) of Tribulus desgalactotigonin, F- nephritis, kidney stone,
(Dashmoolarishta & terestris gitonin, gracillin, trillin, painful misturation,
Chyavanprash) dioscin, tribulosin, gout,
tribuloside. Aphrodisiac,
spermatogenesis

Article by
Kamal kumar goyal
Assistant Professor, Sri Balaji College of Pharmacy,