A Textbook of Herbal Drug Technology

ISBN: 978-93-93806-36-9

Herbal medicines have been an integral part of healthcare for centuries and continue to play a significant role in disease prevention and treatment across the world. India possesses a rich tradition of medicinal plant knowledge through its systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU), which have contributed immensely to healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences. With the growing global interest in natural products, evidence-based herbal medicines, and quality assurance, there is an increasing need for pharmacy students to understand the scientific principles underlying herbal drug development, standardization, regulation, and safe use.

This book has been prepared according to the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) syllabus under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, incorporating the latest curriculum requirements. It is intended primarily for undergraduate pharmacy students, while also serving as a useful reference for teachers, researchers, and professionals interested in herbal medicines and botanicals.

The content has been organized in a systematic and student-friendly manner. Each unit begins with an introduction and clearly defined learning objectives, followed by detailed explanations of the topics using simple language. Wherever appropriate, tables, flowcharts, and examples have been included to simplify complex concepts and facilitate better understanding. Key points at the end of each chapter provide a quick revision of important concepts, while practice questions, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions, and viva questions, help students prepare for university examinations and competitive tests.

The book covers the fundamentals of medicinal plants, quality control and standardization of herbal medicines, herb–drug, herb–food, and herb–herb interactions, adverse reactions, regulatory requirements for herbal and ASU medicines, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), phytopharmaceuticals, AYUSH Aahara, and the latest regulatory framework governing herbal medicines in India. Emphasis has been placed on integrating traditional Indian knowledge with modern scientific principles, enabling students to appreciate both the historical significance and the contemporary relevance of herbal medicines.

Every effort has been made to present accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information based on the current PCI syllabus and accepted scientific literature. However, pharmaceutical sciences continue to evolve, and readers are encouraged to consult the latest guidelines, pharmacopoeias, and regulatory publications for recent developments.

It is hoped that this book will strengthen the understanding of herbal drug technology among pharmacy students and encourage them to explore the scientific, regulatory, and therapeutic aspects of medicinal plants with curiosity and confidence.

Constructive suggestions and comments from teachers, students, and readers are always welcome and will be sincerely appreciated for improving future editions of this book.

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