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Taxonomic classification Advantages
 Easy for the classification of crude drugs.

Taxonomic classification Disadvantages
 Failed to recognize the organized/unorganized nature of crude drugs.
 Failed to face into account the chemical nature of active constituents
and therapeutic significance of crude drugs.

V. Pharmacological classification

The crude drugs are grouped according to pharmacological action/uses of
their main active constituents. The crude drugs are grouped regardless of
their morphology, taxonomical status or chemical nature.
Crude drugs differing in mechanism of action but having the same
pharmacological effects are also grouped together. e.g. bulk purgatives,
irritant purgatives, emollient purgatives.

DRUGS ACTING ON GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT
Bitters: Gentian, Quassia, Cinchona
Carminatives: Dill, Mentha, Cardamom
Emetics: Ipecacuanha
Anti-amoebics: Ipecacuanha
Purgatives: Senna, Castor Oil
Bulk laxatives: Agar
Peptic ulcer treatment: Liquorice

DRUGS ACTING ON RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Expectorants: Ipecacuanha, Liquorice
Antiexpectorants: Stramonium
Antitussives: Opium
Bronchodilators: Ephedra, Tea

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