Page 40 - Medicinal Plants_PharmD general

III. Chemical classification

The crude drugs are categorized according to the chemical nature of the
most important chemical constituents to which the
pharmacological/therapeutic activity of the drug is attributed.

Chemical constituents Drugs
Alkaloids Datura, Vinca, Lobelia
Glycosides Cascara, Senna, Digitalis
Tannins Catechu, Ashoka
Volatile oil Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus
Lipids Castor oil, Beeswax
Carbohydrates or derived products Agar, Acacia, Honey, Linseed
Resins Benzoin, Colophony
Vitamins & hormones Yeast, Shark liver oil, Insulin
Proteins & enzymes Gelatin, Papain

Chemical classification Advantages

 Chemical constituents and medicinal uses are known.
Chemical classification Disadvantages

 Drugs of different origins are grouped under similar chemical
titles.

 No proper placement in this system for drugs containing two
different types of constituents of equal importance such as
Cinchona (contain alkaloids and glycosides), Nutmeg (fixed
oil and volatile oil)…. SO difficult to categorize them
properly.

-40-