Pharmacognosy Flashcards
6 cards from real B.Pharm. Bachelor of Pharmacy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pharmacognosy flashcards as text
Ergot alkaloids used in obstetrics are derived from which organism?
Answer: A parasitic fungus on rye grain
Ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, ergometrine) are produced by Claviceps purpurea, a parasitic fungus that infects rye and other cereal grains.
Reserpine, a drug formerly used for hypertension, is derived from:
Answer: Rauwolfia serpentina
Reserpine is an indole alkaloid isolated from Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot), used historically as an antihypertensive and antipsychotic.
Which pharmacognostic method uses microscopic examination to identify crude drugs based on cellular structures?
Answer: Histological (microscopical) evaluation
Histological or microscopical evaluation examines the cellular anatomy of crude drugs (stomata, trichomes, starch grains) for identification and quality control.
Guar gum, used as a pharmaceutical excipient and emulsifier, is derived from:
Answer: Seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus
Guar gum is a galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm of seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (cluster bean), used as a thickener and binder.
Colchicine, used to treat gout, is obtained from which plant?
Answer: Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Colchicine is an alkaloid extracted from Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus or meadow saffron), used to treat acute gout attacks.
Which test is used to detect the presence of starch in crude drugs using a microscopic technique?
Answer: Iodine solution test
Iodine solution turns starch granules blue-black, making it a reliable histochemical test to identify starch in crude drug specimens.