PHARMACOGNOSY DIVISION

Profile

Undertaking pharmacognostic studies of the raw drugs used in Ayurveda with a view to evolve their standards is the aim of the Pharmacognosy division. In this division, using a computerized Herb Authentication System, the anatomical images of genuine raw drugs with identifying features are stored in the database, which can be retrieved for floor level checking. This facility is being used for standardization, quality control and authentication of the raw drugs used in Ayurveda.


Programmes

  • Identification of medicinal plants/ plant parts using pharnacognostic parameters
  • Evolving pharmacognostic standards of genuine raw drugs used in Ayurveda and a comparative study of the same with their adulterants / substitutes
  • Establishing digitised database of the standards using a computer controlled microscopic system (Herb Authentication System) for the floor level checking of the raw drugs samples
  • Preparation of Anatomical atlas, Image library of anatomical features and permanent microslide library of raw drugs as a ready reckoner for the identification of raw drugs used in Ayurveda
  • Establishment of a Raw Drug  Repository at the Centre  for reference
  • Quality checking and authentication of raw drugs and finished products
  • To function as a central facility on medicinal plant pharmacognosy and raw drug standardisation for students, researchers, industry and to other bonafide users

Major Achievements

  1. Collection, identification and Anatomical standardization status of authenticated raw drugs of 300 species completed

  2. Comparative analysis of genuine/substitutes/adulterants drugs of 45 raw drugs have been carried out

  3. Standard figures of 325 medicinal plants have been entered into digitized database (HERB Authentication System) for floor level checking of Raw drug samples

  4. 3375 images of 325 species, showing the important identification markers of 50 raw drugs  (Minimum 10 images/raw drugs) have been stored in the Image Library for further comparison

  5. Developed standardisation  parameters  for 325 medicinal plants for the Quality checking of raw materials used for the medicine manufacture

  6. 4 Ph. D. produced and 4 are ongoing

  7. 69 M.Sc. students have completed their placement and project work on Pharmacognosy from this division

Awards

  • The best poster award in the area of Health Sciences to the paper titled Anatomical markers as a tool to identify genuine raw drug Asoka from its common adulterants by A. Jayanthi and A.B. Rema Shree in the 17th Kerala Science Congress, held in January 2005 at Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur.

  • The best poster award in Health Sciences to the paper titled Calcium oxalate crystal and stone cells distribution pattern as a key to identify ten important raw drugs used in Ayurveda by A.B. Rema shree and Jayanthi A in the 18th Kerala Science Congress, held in January, 2006 at Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), Thiruvananthapuram.

  • Received the Best poster award in the area of Life Sciences to the paper titled Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on the raw drug Citraka by Girija TP., K Unnikrishnana and A.B Rema Shree in the 19th Kerala Science Congress 2007 held at Kannur .

  • Received Young Scientist Award 2011 to team paper by Prakash Kumar.K, A.B. Rema Shree and Indira Balachandran- Kerala Science Congress by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology &Environment (KSCSTE), Govt. of Kerala

    • Services:

    • Facility for histological studies of ayurvedic medicinal plants.

    • Training & Project work for M.Sc Botany students

    • Training in Microtomy work and slide preparation

    • Identification of raw drug samples

    • Ph.D Programme

    National workshop conducted:

    National Work shop conducted   on Quality standardization work funded  by Dept  of AYUSH, Govt  of India.

    1. Five days Workshop on Developing Quality standards for Herbs and Herbal formulations was conducted during May 24 -28 at CMPR.  22 participants from different colleges and R&Ds attended the workshop. Experts from various institutions delivered talk on drug standardization, pharmacology and pharmacovigilence.  Hands on training were also given to them on pharmacognostic and phytochemical aspects

    2. Three days Workshop on Developing Quality standards for Herbs and Herbal formulations was conducted during July 27-29 at CMPR.  19 participants from different colleges and R&Ds attended the workshop. Experts from various institutions delivered talks on drug standardization and pharmacology.  Hands on training was also given to them regarding pharmacognostic and phytochemical aspects

    MONOGRAPHS / BOOKS / CHAPTERS Published:

    1. Pharmacognosy of Medicinal Plants Part 1.Bark drugs. Vol.1          (Vol.II&III-Under preparation)
    2. Macro and Microscopic Atlas of Pharmacopoeial Drugs. Vol.1. published  by Dept of AYUSH,Govt. of India (Contributed atlas of 50 plants)
    3. 63 Monographs in ICMR Publication (Quality Standards of Indian Medicinal Plants)

     

    PUBLICATIONS

     

    In Journals:

     

    • Published: (41)
    • In press : (2)

    In symposium/seminar: (347)

     

    Scientists

    1. Harinarayanan C. M. (Scientist)

    • "The Centre for Medicinal Plants Research functions as a pioneer institute in the area of research, education, conservation and popularisation of Ayurvedic medicinal plants."

    • "The Centre for Medicinal Plants Research functions as a pioneer institute in the area of research, education, conservation and popularisation of Ayurvedic medicinal plants."

    • "The Centre for Medicinal Plants Research functions as a pioneer institute in the area of research, education, conservation and popularisation of Ayurvedic medicinal plants."