P.G.DIPLOMA IN PLANT DRUGS
Department of Botany
S.V. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
TIRUPATI - 517 502
Email: svuniversityplantdrugs@gmail.com

ORIGIN OF THE COURSE

P.G. Diploma Course in Plant Drugs was started for the first time in the Department of Botany, S.V.University, Tirupati from the academic year 1996-97. There is an increasing awareness among the people about use of plant drugs that are believed to be safe and do not produce side effects which most of the modern synthetic drugs do. This awareness has created enormous worldwide demand for plant drugs. The effect of plant drugs depends on their correct taxonomic identification of plant species, use of proper plant parts and its biological activity, which in turn depends upon the presence of required quality and the nature of the secondary metabolites and the raw materials. It is a well known fact that availability of these secondary metabolites depends heavily on environmental and other external factors such as collection, season, stage of plant growth, drying procedure of drug residue, storage conditions, shelf life, geographical variations, problem of adulteration, substitutions and methodology used in the manufacturing of the plant drugs. P.G. Diploma course in plant drugs syllabus was prepared on par with B. Pharmacy and emphasis is paid keeping in view of latest technological achievements in the production/utilisation of plant drugs and in cultivation, propagation, conservation and protection of medicinal plants

Importance of the Diploma course:

1. The principle aim of this course is to train young Science graduates in the area of Pharmaceutical Sciences with reference to Plant Medicines moreover to provide trained personal to Pharmaceutical Industry and for self-generated employment.
2. The course will also help to study and understand safe usage of Natural drugs.
3. Provide instructions to Phytochemists, Biologists, Biochemists and Doctors (Allopathic/ Ayurvedic/ Homeopathic/ Unani), to propagate, conserve, procure, preserve, process, product development, patents and in National trade and marketing of authentic plant drugs to cure the patients.
4. Helps to know latest developments in Science & technology and their achievements in Pharmaceutical production of Natural plant Drugs by preserving active principles.
   
   Syllabus for First Semester

Theory: First Paper: - Drug yielding plants & Medical Microbiology

1. Brief History and scope of plant drugs. Study of various systems of classification of drugs of plant origin.
2. Introduction to Classification of plants. Study of drug yielding plants from the following groups {Bacteria (Streptomyces), Fungi (Penicillium & Yeast), Algae (Gelidium, Gracilaria, Pterocladium & Diatoms), Pteridophytes (Polypodiaceae) Gymnosperms (Pinaceae & Ephedraceae) and Angiosperms (Ranunculaceae, Papavaraceae, Leguminosae, Rutaceae, Umbelliferae, Apocynaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Solanaceae, Labiatae, Liliaceae and Zingiberaceae}
3. Poisonous and hallucinogenic plants.
4. Fundamental principles of Microbiology, classification, isolation, staining techniques and methods of culturing microbes and pathogenic organisms of common diseases

PRACTICAL I Drug yielding plants & Medical Microbiology:

1. Preparation of Herbaria and identification of medicinal plants.
2. Identification of important medicinal and poisonous plants belonging to different taxa covered in theory including the study of important morphological features of the plant.
3. Study of various group of bacteria and fungi, Antagonism and antibiotic production among microorganisms.
4. Field trip to study and identify locally occurring Drug yielding Plants
   

Theory: Paper-II : Pharmacology, Agronomy and Applications of Plant Biotechnology.

1. Technical terminology in Pharmacology.
2. Fundamentals of Pharmacology.
3. Biological active principles of established plant drugs.
4. Crude drugs and their trade: Adoption of GATT, market potential for the Plant Drugs at the national & International level.
5. Cultivation, propagation, conservation and protection of medicinal plants and preservation of plant drugs and pest control.
6. Micro propagation, multiplication of medicinal plants and production of specific biologically active principles through tissue culture.
7. Cosmetic Herbs: Natural cosmetics in the medical systems.
   

PRACTICAL II: Pharmacology, Agronomy and Applications of Plant Biotechnology

1. Cultivation, propagation, conservation and protection of medicinal plants and preservation, pest control of plant drugs.
2. Micro propagation and production of specific biologically active ingredients through Biotechnology and other processes.
3. Practical demonstrations of Pharmacological evaluations of Plant drugs.

Syllabus for Second Semester

Theory: Paper-III Phytochemistry & Pharmacognacy of Plant Drugs

1. Microscopy and Macroscopy of plant drugs such as leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, seeds and underground parts (Senna, Datura, Cinnamon, Cinchona, Fennel, Clove, Ginger, Nux-vomica & Ipecacuanha (9 hours)
2. Formulations and dosage forms of Plant drugs in different systems of medicine.
3. A brief outline of isolation, Identification, distribution of therapeutic effective and pharmaceutical applications of secondary metabolites, Polyphenolics, Alkaloids, Terpenoids & Steroids.
4. Drug adulteration, identification and substitutions. Plant Drug abuse and repercussions.
5. Isolation & extraction of therapeutically useful of vitamins from plants.

PRACTICAL III: Phytochemistry & Pharmacognacy of Plant Drugs

1. Study of histological characters of medicinal plants.
2. Microscopy and Macroscopy of plant drugs such as leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, seeds and underground parts (Senna, Datura, Cinnamon, Cinchona, Fennel, Clove, Ginger, Nux-vomica & Isecacuanha.
3. Formulations Plant drugs in different systems of medicine.
4. Identification and production of vitamins from plants.
5. Preliminary Phytochemical screening of medicinal plants for secondary metabolites, Polyphenolics, Alkaloids, Terpenoids & Steroids.
6. Field trip to identify Drug yielding Plants and on the spot screening for its constituents.

Theory: Paper-IV Plant Drug evaluation

(Diagnostic features, active constituents and their uses)

1. Technical products of Plant drugs.
2. Methods of drug evaluation: Organoleptic, Microscopic, Physical, chemical & Biological evaluation.
3. Study of the important diagnostic features, active constituents tests for identity, quality, purity; and uses of the following drugs.
4. Honey, Acacia, Ispaghula, guar gum and Bael.
5. Digitalis, Urginea, Cassia (Senna), Aloes, Dioscorea, Picrorhiza
6. Castor oil, Lin seed oil, Turpentine oil, Eucalyptus oil, Mentha oil, Lanolin, Chaulmoogra oil and Sesame oil
7. Umbelliferous fruits, Lemon grass oil, Lemon peel, Nutmeg, Cloves, Kukum butter, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Cassia, Dill, Jatamansi and Turmeric.
8. Ginger, Rasna (Alpino) Podophyllum resin, Capsicum, Fern, Cannabis, Asafoetida
9. Tannic acid, Myrobalan, Asoka bark, Pterocarpus & Santalum
10. Solanaceous drugs, Opium, Rauwolfia, Vinca, Nux vomica, Ergot, Aconite, Ephedra, Colchicum, Kurchi, Aswagandha (Withania), Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda), Punarva (Boerhavia).
11. Amla (Euphorbia officinalis), Vidang (Embelia ribes) Gokhru, Brahmi (Centella), Satavari (Asparagus), Vaj (rhizomes of Acorus calamus), Shankhupushpi, Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Tulsi (Ocimum), Menthol, Pudina.

PRACTICAL IV: Plant Drug evaluation (Diagnostic features, active constituents and their uses)

1. Gross identification of plant drugs
2. Organoleptic examination and physical and chemical properties of the following: Honey, Acacia, Ispaghula (Plantago), guar gum and Bael. Digitalis, Urginea, Cassia (Senna), Aloes, Dioscorea, Picrorrhiza. Castor oil, Lin seed oil, Lanolin, Chaulmoogra oil and Sesame oil, Umbelliferous fruits, Lemon grass oil, Lemon peel, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Cassia, Dill, Jatamansi, Mentha oil and Turmeric. Ginger, Podophyllum resin, Capsicum, Fern, Cannabis, Asafoetida Tannic acid, Myrobalan and Asoka bark, Solanaceous drugs, Opium, Rauwolfia, Vinca, Nux-vomica, Ergot, Aconite, Ephedra, Colchicum, Kurchi, Aswagandha (Withania), Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda), Punarnava (Boerhavia). Amla (Euphorbia officinalis), Gokhru, Centella, Satavari (Asparagus), vaj, Shankhupushpi (Clitoria ternatea), Terminalia arjuna, Ocimum, Menthol.
   ** 1. Visit to nearest Pharmaceutical industry /research Institute.
   2. Dissertation on one Plant drug.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for a candidate seeking admission into the course

1. Any Graduate with B.Sc. of this University or any other University recognised as equivalent thereto with Botany as one of the subjects under part II.
2. Any graduate with B.Sc.(Agriculture/ Home Science)/ B.V.Sc./ MBBS/ B. Pharmacy/ BAMS/BHMS of this University or any other University recognised as equivalent thereto.
   Course of Study: The duration of the course is one year (Part time) consisting of two semesters. Weekly 8 hours of class work (Sundays only)
3. Attendance: - The candidate should put in minimum of 75% in each semester both theory and Practical put together for writing University examinations. Condonation of shortage of attendance may be considered on the recommendation of the principal, provided a student puts in at least 62.5% of attendance.
4. Probable no of candidates to be admitted in the Diploma course

Minimum 10; Maximum 20 students

Particulars of the Tuition fee : Rs.4,000/- for the full Course

(Rs5,000/- for Sponsored candidates)

No. of papers : Four theory & four Practical papers

Theory Paper I & II , Practical I & II (1St. Semester)

Theory Paper III & IV Practical III & IV (2nd Semester)

Examinations

1. The University examination is conducted at the end of the each semester. A specific scheme of examinations will be provided early and the examinations are to be conducted by the Controller of Examinations of Sri Venkateswara University. No, Supplementary examination will be conducted.
2. Classification of successful candidates: -A candidate shall be declared to have passed the examination for the diploma if he or she passes two papers at a time by securing not less than 40 per cent of marks in each theory/practical/dissertation paper in two semesters. Obtaining 75% and more is treated as distinction; 60% and above as First Class, 50% and above and less than 60% as Second Class and 35% above and less than 50% as third class.
3. Dissertation: -Every candidate should submit three copies of dissertation on one plant drug as directed on topic chosen in consultation with the concerned guide and the co-ordinator of the course. The dissertation should be submitted not later than one month after completion of the second semester. In case if a candidate fails in securing minimum marks in theory/practical in any semester and secures 40% marks in the dissertation such candidate need not submit the dissertation again.
4. A candidate who fails at the I or II semester examinations shall be permitted to take the examination at the next appearance along with the another batch without further attendance but by applying second time with the prescribed examination fees for that semester.
5. Supply of Marks: A candidate who appears for the examination will be supplied with a statement of marks and class obtained by him/her at the examination on payment of the prescribed fee.
   For admission please contact

Dr. G. Sudarsanam,
Course Coordinator & Professor of Botany,
S.V. University, Tirupati
Phone : 91-877-2248267 (R);Cell : 91-9866668680/9391455777
e-mail: sudarsanamg@gmail.com
gvsdpd@yahoo.com