Some Issues Related to Pharmacognosy

This study was designed to discuss some of the important issues related to the subject pharmacognosy, to assess knowledge and attitude about pharmacognosy among pharmacy teachers and professionals in India, which has not been evaluated previously. The contribution of pharmacognosy in pharmacy as well as in research has got wider recognition from ancient times. Pharmacognosy, one of the oldest scientific disciplines is now undergoing major change. Currently plant based drugs are researched and formulated in modern framework of medicine rather than in the form of galenical preparations or conventional dosage. Subject is witnessing transformation from galenical to genomical. Even in the era of biotechnology and bioinformatics subject holds paramount importance because of its interdisciplinary and flexible approach. This study reports some issues along with the current level of knowledge and attitudes towards subject among teachers, professionals. Participants were 50 persons including teachers, professionals concerning with the subject, who completed a discussion as well as questionnaire measuring subject knowledge. These findings will assist in the development of an education module, to equip budding pharmacognosist, health care personnel to impart accurate and update knowledge and hasten natural product research too.