PHARMACOGNOSY DIVISION
 
 
Profile
Undertaking pharmacognostic studies of the raw drugs used in Ayurveda with a view to evolve their standards is the aim of the Pharmacognosy division. In this division, using a computerized Herb Authentication System, the anatomical images of genuine raw drugs with identifying features are stored in the database, which can be retrieved for floor level checking. This facility is being used for standardization, quality control and authentication of the raw drugs used in Ayurveda.
   
 
Broad objectives
 
  1. Anatomical standardization of Ayurvedic medicinal plants
  2. Comparative anatomical study of raw drugs, their substitutes/ adulterants for developing identification keys and for evolving standards.
  3. Establishing digitized database of the standards using the software (Herbal Authentication System) for the floor level checking of the raw drug samples.
  4. Preparation of Image library of anatomical features and permanent microslide library of raw drugs as a ready reckoner for the identification of raw drugs used in ayurveda
  5. Quality checking and authentication of raw drugs
  6. To function as a central facility on medicinal plant anatomy for Students, Researchers and to other bonafide users.
   
 
Major Achievements
 
  1. Collection, identification and Anatomical standardization status of authenticated raw drugs of 110 species completed
  2. Comparative analysis of Genuine/substitutes/adulterants drugs of 32 raw drugs have been carried out
  3. Standard figures of 125 medicinal plants have been entered into digitized database (HERB Authentication System) for floor level checking of Raw drug samples
  4. 2070 images of 165 species, showing the important  identification  markers of 50 raw drugs  (Minimum 10 images/raw drugs) have been stored in the Image Library for further comparison
  5. Developed standardisation  parameters  for 165 medicinal plants for the Quality checking of raw materials used for the medicine manufacture
  6. 5 Research scholars are doing their PhD programme and 7 M.Sc. students have completed their placement and project work on Pharmacognosy from this division
 
 

Publications
 
2003 onwards  

Published

 : 6
In press
 : 15

In symposium/seminar

 : 3
 
Awards
 
  1. Received the best poster award in the Health Sciences category for the research paper titled “Anatomical markers as a tool to identify genuine raw drug Asoka from its common adulterants” by Jayanthi A. and A.B. Remashree at the XVII Kerala Science Congress, KFRI, Peechi, 29-31 January,2005
  1. Received the best poster award in the Life Sciences category and also the overall best poster award for the research paper titled “Calcium oxalate crystals and stone cells distribution pattern as a key to identify ten important raw drugs used in Ayurveda” by Rema Shree A.B. and A. Jayanthi at the XVIIIth Kerala Science Congress, CESS, Akulam, Trivandrum, 29-31 January, 2006
 

 
 
Services:
 
  • Facility for histological studies of ayurvedic medicinal plants at AVS –CMPR to solve the raw drug –adulterant problem
  • Training & Project work for M.Sc Botany students
  • Training in Microtomy work and slide preparation
  • Identification of raw drug samples
  • Research guide for Plant Science (Kannur University)
Scientists:
 

Dr. A.B. Rema Shree Ph.D (Botany)
Senior Scientist
 
Mrs. Jayanthy A.
Scientist