Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry

Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry is a comprehensive academic textbook designed for B.Pharm students, with content aligned to the NEP 2020 framework for undergraduate pharmacy education. It presents important concepts of natural products and medicinal plant constituents in a clear, structured, and examination-oriented manner.

The book begins with metabolic pathways and biogenetic studies, explaining how primary metabolic processes contribute to the formation of pharmacologically important natural products. It then explores primary metabolites, including carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, lipids, fats, and nucleic acids, along with their pharmaceutical significance.

A substantial section is devoted to secondary metabolites and important phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, steroids, resins, and volatile oils. Examples of medicinal plants and their characteristic constituents help connect theoretical concepts with pharmaceutical applications.