Department of Pharmacognosy

The universal role of drugs of biological origin in the treatment of disease is exemplified by their employment in all the major systems of medicine. Pharmacognosy is a specific discipline deals with the rapid developments in the knowledge and utilization of medicinal substances of biological origin (plant, microorganism and animal products) used in human and vertenary purpose. This subject provides information about the principles and procedures used in the identification, authentication, extraction, isolation of active consituents by chromatography techniques, purification and development of herbal formulations and assay methods for the isolated constituents. Attention is paid to the develpment of standardisation protocols for the herbal formulations. Focus is also paid to pharmacopoeial regulations, ICH, EU guide lines and principles of good manufacturing practices.

The department of Pharmacognosy at JSS College of Pharmacy is one of the most important centre for phytochemical and natural products of India. The department is involved in the protection of endagered medicinal species and the isolation of new drugs and lead compounds from traditional remedies. the Nilgiri hill, being the treasure house of medicinal plants, has given the department an opportunity to explore the medicinal plants and the lead molecules from them.  

Medicinal plant garden

This department is also maintaining a medicinal garden which serves as an educational display of medicinal and aromatic plants.The Nilgiri Medicinal Plants Promoters Society, functioning under this department is actively involving in various social activities, such as creating awareness among the public about the cultivation methods, extraction techniques etc./ Every year, the department conducts Medicinal Plants Exhibition during summer festivals days in the Govt. Botanical Garden, Ootacamund.

Title of research programs implemented / being implement

• Screening of medicinal plants for their biologically active lead molecules

• Survey of medicinal plants in the Nilgiris biosphere

• Development of standardization protocols for the herbal drugs

• Development and screening of herbal formulations for their biological activity

• Documentation of medicinal plants available in the Nilgiris biosphere

Faculty