B.Pharm. Bachelor of Pharmacy Pharmacognosy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Opium is obtained from which part of the plant Papaver somniferum?
- Seeds
- Leaves
- Unripe seed capsule latex (Correct answer)
- Roots
Correct answer: Unripe seed capsule latex
Opium is the dried latex obtained by scoring the unripe seed capsules (pods) of Papaver somniferum (opium poppy).
Question 2: Which plant is the primary source of the antimalarial drug quinine?
- Artemisia annua
- Cinchona species (Correct answer)
- Swertia chirata
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Correct answer: Cinchona species
Quinine is an alkaloid derived from the bark of Cinchona species (especially Cinchona officinalis and C. calisaya), historically used to treat malaria.
Question 3: Tannins are plant-derived polyphenols primarily known for their:
- Cardiotonic properties
- Astringent properties (Correct answer)
- Sedative properties
- Diuretic properties
Correct answer: Astringent properties
Tannins are astringent polyphenolic compounds that precipitate proteins, giving them antiseptic, hemostatic, and wound-healing properties.
Question 4: The process of extracting active constituents from crude drugs using solvents is called:
- Distillation
- Sublimation
- Extraction (galenical preparation) (Correct answer)
- Crystallization
Correct answer: Extraction (galenical preparation)
Extraction or galenical preparation involves using solvents (water, alcohol, ether) to dissolve and separate active constituents from crude plant or animal drugs.
Question 5: Senna leaves are commonly used as which type of therapeutic agent?
- Antacid
- Antispasmodic
- Stimulant laxative (Correct answer)
- Cough suppressant
Correct answer: Stimulant laxative
Senna (Cassia angustifolia) contains anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides) that stimulate intestinal peristalsis, acting as a stimulant laxative.
Question 6: Which natural wax is derived from the head cavities of sperm whales and has been used pharmaceutically?
- Carnauba wax
- Beeswax
- Spermaceti (Correct answer)
- Lanolin
Correct answer: Spermaceti
Spermaceti is a waxy substance obtained from the sperm whale and was historically used as an emollient base in cold creams and ointments.
B.Pharm. Bachelor of Pharmacy Pharmacognosy 2
Opium is obtained from which part of the plant Papaver somniferum?