What is Pharmacognosy
The study of drugs and medicines produced from natural sources like plants and animals is known as Pharmacognosy.
Pharmacognosy includes analysis of properties of various naturally sourced drugs and their biochemical effects on living beings. The world is growing more and more aware of the ramifications being caused by synthetic drugs, naturally derived drugs and medicines are making a comeback. Studies show that the human body easily accepts plant-derived medicines over synthetic ones.
Pharmacognosy is the oldest branch of pharmacy since humans have been producing medicines using plants and microbes for ages.
Pharmacognosy is still a relevant science for the development of future medicines. Currently, Japan and the United States are quite active in this field. Pharmacognosy is also getting more recognition in India, given its history. One can choose to study Pharmacognosy as a major subject to obtain a Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) degree.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Pharmacognosy
All candidates aspiring for admission into M.Pharm programmes are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from a recognised institution.
The B.Sc degree must be complete with 50% or more marks in aggregate.
Institutions provide admission to candidates based on their performance in relevant entrance exams. Certain universities conduct their entrance exams. And some colleges provide direct admission to students based on their score at the graduation level.
Additionally, a candidate who has gone through the exam stage is required to sit through a personal interview to complete the admission process.
The admission process may vary depending on the institution.
Entrance Exams for Pharmacognosy
Admission into M.Pharm in Pharmacognosy is mainly merit-based. However, certain institutions conduct university-level entrance examinations. Some colleges also accept candidates based on their performance in state-level examinations like KCET, PGECET etc.
Here is a list of examinations a candidate can attend for admission into M.Pharm programme:
GPAT – Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test - This ‘Multiple Choice Question’ type test is conducted by the National Test Agency. The questions are based on chemistry and pharmaceutical knowledge. This is a national level exam.
MAHE or MET - Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science conducts the Manipal Entrance Test, a university-level exam, which offers admission into M.pharma programmes. This exam is a must for someone who wants to attend any Pharmacy related Programmes at the university.
State-level exams
Candidates can attend the ‘Common Entrance Test’ conducted by their respective state boards like Delhi CET, KCET, WBJEE etc.
College Predictors VIEW ALL
Scope of Pharmacognosy in India and Abroad
The word on the street is that Pharmacognosy is a waning subject. This is a misconception. Trained professionals in pharmacognosy are required in so many research areas.
The Indian government is currently funding many kinds of research activities in this field under the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) mission.
Herbal cosmetics and skincare industry is shooting up in the market.
An advanced degree in Pharmacognosy opens up jobs in management, lead scientist positions and enterprises. The areas of research include biotechnology and chemistry. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is an area with maximum scope for Pharmacognosy.
Course Fees Pharmacognosy
| Minimum Fees | Maximum Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Government | Private | Government | |
| UG |
1.00 Lakhs
M.Pharma in Pharmacognosy at Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak
|
41.00 K
M.Pharma in Pharmacognosy at Goa University,Taleigao Plateau, Goa
|
2.80 Lakhs
M.Pharma in Pharmacognosy at Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow
|
41.00 K
M.Pharma in Pharmacognosy at Goa University,Taleigao Plateau, Goa
|
| PG |
55.70 K
P.G.D in Pharmacognosy at Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dehradun
|
10.50 K
P.G.D in Pharmacognosy at Alagappa University, Karaikudi
|
8.62 Lakhs
M.Pharma in Pharmacognosy at Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal
|
3.10 Lakhs
M.Pharma in Pharmacognosy at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
|
| DOCTORAL |
96.00 K
Ph.D in Pharmacognosy at Adichunchanagiri University, Mandya
|
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Data not available
|
7.20 Lakhs
Ph.D in Pharmacognosy at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara
|
---
Data not available
|
| DIPLOMA |
42.10 K
Diploma in Pharmacognosy at Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dehradun
|
---
Data not available
|
1.07 Lakhs
Diploma in Pharmacognosy at Uttaranchal University, Dehradun
|
---
Data not available
|
Course Subjects
The Pharmacognosy course is divided into four semesters. The last two semesters include research work and thesis submission.
Semester 1
- Cultivation of Medicinal plants
- Modern analytical techniques
- Plant drug standardisations
- Pharmacognosy lab I
Semester 2
- Plant Biotechnology
- Advances in Pharmacognosy
- Phytochemistry and Biogenesis
- Pharmacognosy lab II
Semester 3 and 4
- Research work, dissertation and thesis submission
Careers in Pharmacognosy
With a rise in demand for natural and ethically sourced substances in various consumer products, many industries are incorporating traditional ways to ensure consumer satisfaction.
By acquiring the science responsible for extracting the medicinal benefits from the natural world, one can be sure of a rewarding career in a billion-dollar industry.
The demand for pharmacognosy remains high and strong, particularly in this era of an ageing population that may require advanced treatments.
As the world experiments more with the concept of sustainability, the survival pharmacognosy is ensured.
Upcoming trends
Pharmacognosy is the oldest modern natural science. In the last 200 years, there have been substantial developments in the principles and applications of Pharmacognosy.
The current day drug research and discoveries are adopting various traditional medicine based techniques and methods to amplify the results and address the safety concerns of synthetic drugs. To cater to this development, Pharmacognosy has branched out into Clinical Pharmacognosy, Analytical Pharmacognosy and Industrial Pharmacognosy.
Other offshoots like Molecular Pharmacognosy, Genomic Pharmacognosy and Metabolomic Pharmacognosy are deemed to accommodate future developments in biotechnology, molecular biology and chemical analysis of natural medicines.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
Job Profiles for Pharmacognosy Graduates
Here is a list of some of the job profiles that the candidates can choose after completing M.Pharm in Pharmacognosy ;
Job title | Description |
Research positions
| Research associates are required to monitor the progress of the research projects. This includes performing a variety of tests and studies. Collecting samples and conducting advanced experiments is part of being a researcher. |
Analytical chemists | An analytical chemist uses a range of methods to investigate the composition of chemicals. The main aim is to identify and analyse the properties of the substance. This job also includes a complete involvement in the drug development process. |
Professor | The teaching job includes organising and implementing instructional programs. Along with teaching, one needs to develop a research strategy in a relevant field of pharmacognosy. Participating and coordinating research activities makes up most of a professor’s job |
Medical Transcriptionist | As the title describes, a medical transcriptionist listens to the correspondence of medical specialists and transcribe the required form of data like reports, referral letters and written records. They need to ensure the interpretation is correct and authentic. |
A food scientist is required to test food samples and manage the records in a laboratory |
And other job titles; Pharmaceutical Sales, Scientific Journalist Quality Assurance Officer, Toxicology Testing and more
Top recruiters in the field
1. Ranbaxy
2. Cipla
3. Government institutions and hospitals
4. Research institutes like CFTRI
5. Drug inspection organisations
Average Salary
While choosing a career option, a job that provides one with a good salary is quite important. Every job comes with a reward, and it is only fair.
Average salaries in Pharmacognosy increases with experience in the field. Mentioned below is a list of average salary one can expect from certain job title ;
Job Titles | Average salaries |
Research positions | Rs. 10 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Analytical chemists | Rs. 5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Professor | Rs. 6 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Medical Transcriptionist | Rs. 7 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Food scientist | Rs. 6.5 Lakhs p.a. (Approx.) |
Required Skillset for Pharmacognosy
Since pharmacognosy is largely based on naturally derived substances, appreciation of nature’s involvement in drug development is required.
One may choose to continue their career in Pharmacognosy if they have few of these skills/ interests.
An interest in studying the physical and chemical properties of crude drugs and medicines
Knowledge about the history of natural drug development and storage.
Well informed in the fields of botany, microbiology, zoology, marine biology and such
A research mindset
Ethical and moral valued thinking
Fine understanding and presenting skills
Course Curriculum for Pharmacognosy
Under the Pharmacognosy course, a student will gain a good knowledge of vegetable drugs and animal drugs through zoology and botany, respectively. The course also includes plant taxonomy, breeding, pathology and genetics. This helps the students in developing and improving the cultivation process of medicinal plants. Sound knowledge in biochemistry helps in enhancing the collection and storage techniques of pharmaceutical substances.
A complete understanding of Pharmacognosy equips a student to tackle problems in the rising pharmaceutical industry and the field of healthcare.
Popular Pharmacognosy Entrance Exams in India
GATE
Exam Date: 01 Feb, 2025 - 02 Feb, 2025
CSIR UGC NET
Exam Date: 16 Feb, 2025 - 28 Feb, 2025
CUET PG
Exam Date: 11 Mar, 2025 - 28 Mar, 2025 (Tentative)
MET
Application Process: 14 Oct, 2024 - 15 Mar, 2025
Popular Pharmacognosy Colleges in India VIEW ALL
LPU Jalandhar
- Fees: ₹ 720000
Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
- Fees: ₹ 433000
Annamalai University
- Fees: ₹ 206520
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: How widespread is Pharmacognosy?
Answer :
We can see the usage of pharmacognosy in a variety of fields. Biotech, Cosmetics, Food, Medicine, are some of the industries.
Question: Are Naturally sourced substances better than specific synthetic substances?
Answer :
Synthetic substances may have a low-cost benefit, but in the long term, it has its disadvantages. Comparatively, the human body is more accustomed to natural substances.
Question: What extra knowledge do I require to study Pharmacognosy?
Question: Is research on Herbal products important in India?
Answer :
The people in the eastern countries, especially in India, have been practising the art of natural extraction for quite a long time. For example, Ayurveda is one of the most trusted Indian systems of medicine. This trust in natural products has opened the door for research on herbal products. And yes, the research is quite important, especially when it is also funded by the government (India).
Question: Why is Pharmacognosy important in pharmacy?
Answer :
Pharmacognosy deals with the extraction of useful drugs from natural resources. It is a safer option than synthetic drugs available. Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy all come under the study of Pharmacognosy.
Questions related to Pharmacognosy
Showing 10 out of 10 Questions
38 Views
Respected sir, Is their any vacancies in Pharmacognosy as a lecturer
27th May, 2022
Hello student,
As per my knowledge the answer is yes.
Pharmacognosy actually refers to the course which includes the study and research about the drugs which we can get from natural resources like plants and animals. It is one of the oldest branch of the main branch pharmacy. The course fee and costs approx 40k to 3laks. The demand of this course is quite high. Our indian government currently investing in some research projects and giving fundings for those under the field Ayush. After completing the masters degree one can go for teaching profession which actually includes the professor rules in colleges which basically have the courses for pharmacognosy. If you are interested in research program you also can join that. If you want to know more you can go through is link below
https://www.careers360.com/courses/pharmacognosy-course
Answer later 48 Views
what is pharmacogonosy different types.of
23rd Feb, 2022
Hello,
Pharmacognosy is the study of medicines or unrefined drugs produced from natural sources such as plants, microbes, and animals. It includes analysis of their biological, chemical, biochemical, and physical properties.
Examples of medicinal plants-
Plants are the origin of many agile ingredients used for medicinal purposes. Examples include salicylic acid and caffeine, among others.
Thank you.
38 Views
what are the entrance exams i can appear to get a stipend for phd after completing my m pharm in pharmacognosy
23rd Aug, 2021
Hi
In India, you can get stipend after clearing various JRF exams conducted by various institutes.
- CSIR -UGC -JRF
- DBT JRF
- ICMR JRF
- INSPIRE (Based on merit only)
All above mentioned schemes are specifically for doing PhD in India. You will receive 31k per month plus HRA every month after joining PhD.
Hope it helps.
31 Views
pharmacognosy colleges in Mumbai
Student Expert
30th Jun, 2021
Hello student some of the best colleges are as mentioned below -
- ICT Mumbai - Institute of Chemical Technology
- Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai
- Principal KM Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Mumbai
ELIGIBILITY - Candidates must passed B.Pharma with minimum 50 percent marks from a recognized university.
For more details refer to the link mentioned below - https://pharmacy.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-pharmacognosy-colleges-in-mumbai
Feel free to comment if you've any doubt
Good luck
51 Views
I am currently in Third yearB.Pharm.And I am planning to do my Master Degree abroad.I am really intrigued by the Research and Development field so I want to pursue the same in future.But I am really confused as to which subject should I major in?Specifically Between Pharmacology or Pharmacognosy?
20th Apr, 2021
Hello,
Pharmacy is a Nobel profession. Bpharm is bachalor of pharmacy degree. In India Bpharm, mpharm and now PharmD also present. But abroad pharmD present and pharm honours present. In abroad Mpharm for four years courses. Here students learn so many practical and experimental knowledge.
So you can go abroad for study. You have to give thr TOEFL examination for getting admission. And I'll suggest you choose pharmacology in your higher study. Because in abroad pharmacognosy is not available for Mpharm. And if you want to go for research then pharmacology always best option.
All the best.
