Pharmacognosy studies natural pharmaceuticals from plants, animals, and minerals. It is the oldest branch of pharmacy, and researchers aim to improve the quality and consistency of natural medicines while also participating in drug discovery. Ethnobotany, anthropology, chemistry, biology, anatomy, and pathology are all important fields of study. Conservation of natural sources is also a concern. Researchers in this field are interested in alternative and conventional medicine, and individuals interested in working in this field should attend a school with a pharmacognosy program and obtain graduate degrees.
Pharmacognosy is the study of pharmaceuticals that have natural origins in plants, animals, and minerals. People in this branch of medicine are interested in these products while in their natural state, rather than refined and processed pharmaceuticals that are derived from natural origins. A number of colleges and universities have pharmacognosy programs, and several pharmaceutical companies conduct research in this area with the goal of drug discovery.
This is the oldest branch of the pharmacy. Humans have been using plants, animal products, and mineral-derived compounds in the treatment of disease for centuries. The history of herbal medicine includes the discovery of a number of compounds which are still used today. Pharmacognosy researchers are interested in studying natural medicines currently in use to learn more about how they work and to develop ways to improve their quality and consistency. They also participate in drug discovery.
A number of disciplines are intermingled in pharmacognosy. Ethnobotany, the study of how other cultures use plants medicinally, is an important field of study, as is anthropology, offering people the opportunity to study medical practices in cultures around the world. Chemistry and biology are fundamental, as is an understanding of anatomy and pathology. People who work in drug research and development are also skilled in designing and monitoring studies to gather data on naturally sourced drugs.
Storage is also a concern. Some natural sources of medicines are under threat due to habitat depletion, over-harvesting and other problems. Conservationists are also concerned that valuable natural medicines may go undiscovered in regions where the environment is heavily exploited. As habitat loss accelerates in some regions of the world, scientists are having a hard time keeping up with the plants and animals vanishing with it, including organisms that could potentially be valuable to medicine.
Some researchers in this field are interested in alternative medicine. Others believe that drugs derived from plants, animals and minerals could potentially be useful in conventional medicine. Both types of researchers are interested in the chemical composition of natural medicines, studying how they affect the body and learning how to create a reliable and stable dosage.
Individuals interested in working in this field will need to attend a school with a pharmacognosy program and should plan to obtain graduate degrees in this or related fields. With a bachelor’s degree, people can apply to work in government or private laboratories, for private organizations interested in drug research, and in university research settings.
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