A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacognostic Techniques in Phytochemical Drug Discovery

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Phytochemical drug discovery has emerged as a pivotal area in pharmaceutical research, utilizing medicinal plants as a source of bioactive compounds. Pharmacognostic techniques—spanning from traditional macroscopy to advanced molecular profiling—serve as the backbone for ensuring the authenticity, quality, and efficacy of plant-based drugs. This review offers a comprehensive overview of various pharmacognostic methods used in the identification and evaluation of phytochemicals. It outlines historical relevance, recent advancements, and integrative approaches that bridge classical botany with modern analytics, establishing a standardized foundation for phytopharmaceutical development.

KEYWORDS: Pharmacognosy, phytochemicals, microscopy, herbal drugs, TLC, standardization, plant authentication