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Pharmacology by Amit Sir

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  1. Pharmacology

    Unit 1
    10 Topics
    |
    10 Quizzes
  2. Unit 2
    8 Topics
  3. Unit 3
    5 Topics
  4. Unit 4
    3 Topics
  5. Unit 5
    9 Topics
  6. Unit 6
    5 Topics
  7. Unit 7
    12 Topics
  8. Unit 8
    8 Topics
  9. Unit 9
    11 Topics
  10. Unit 10
    7 Topics
  11. Unit 11
    12 Topics
  12. Unit 12
    11 Topics
  13. Toxicology
    Unit 1
    7 Topics
  14. Unit 2
    9 Topics
  15. Unit 3
    11 Topics
  16. Unit 4
    2 Topics
  17. Chemotherapy
    Unit 1
    10 Topics
  18. Unit 2
    4 Topics
  19. Unit 3
    10 Topics
  20. Unit 4
    6 Topics
  21. Unit 5
    3 Topics
Lesson 1, Topic 6
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Sources Of Drugs

Wise IAS May 9, 2025
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Drugs can originate from natural or artificial (synthetic) sources. They may be derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, minerals, or produced through biotechnological and chemical methods.

  • Plants have been traditional and original sources of drugs.
  • Almost all parts of medicinal plants may have therapeutic value:
Plant PartExamples
RootSarpgandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)
RhizomeGinger, Turmeric (Haldi)
BarkCinchona, Catechu, Acacia
LeavesAtropine (Belladonna), Cocaine, Physostigmine
FlowersDigitalis, Chrysanthemum
FruitsPapaya, Anise
SeedsNux vomica, Black pepper (Kali mirchi), Fenugreek (Methi)
CategoryExamples
HormonesOxytocin, Gonadotrophins, Insulin, Thyroxine
VitaminsCod liver oil, Shark liver oil (Rich in Vitamins A & D)
AntiseraAntisnake venom, Canine distemper antiserum
OthersHeparin, Liver extract, Immunoglobulins, Blood, Plasma
MicroorganismProducts
Fungi / ActinomycetesAntibiotics: Penicillin, Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Neomycin
YeastsVitamin B-complex (from dried yeast)
Bacteria / VirusesUsed in vaccine production

4. Mineral Sources

PurposeDrug / Compound
AntacidMagnesium oxide, Sodium bicarbonate
PurgativeMagnesium sulphate
ExpectorantPotassium iodide
DiureticPotassium nitrate
HaematinicFerrous sulphate
HypothyroidismIodine
LaxativeLiquid paraffin (mineral oil)
  • These are entirely chemically synthesized in laboratories.
  • Examples:
    • Antipyretics
    • Barbiturates
    • Tranquillizers
    • Anti-inflammatory drugs
    • Anaesthetics
    • Antiseptics
    • Antiprotozoals
    • Antihistamines
  • Derived by modifying natural drugs to enhance properties or reduce side effects.
  • Examples:
    • Dihydrostreptomycin (from streptomycin)
    • Semi-synthetic penicillins (from natural penicillin)
    • Agonists/antagonists of morphine
  • A technique involving manipulation of gene function for treatment/prevention of disease.
  • Based on recombinant DNA technology.
  • Involves inserting therapeutic genes into animal or human cells.
  • Drugs produced using biotechnology, often derived from human proteins and peptides.
CategoryExamples
Peptides / HormonesADH, Oxytocin, GnRH, ACTH, TSH/TRH, Calcitonin, Insulin, Somatostatin, Growth hormone
Enzymes / ProteinsStreptokinase, Asparaginase, DNase, Erythropoietin, Clotting factors
OthersInterferons, Monoclonal antibodies, Recombinant vaccines