Herbal Plant

Course Syllabus

PROPOSED OUTLINE OF THE SYLLABUS:                              One class = 1 hr
Module1. Definition of Herbology & Herbalism:

 Ayurveda. History and philosophy , Scope of  Ayurvedic Herbology, Basic concept of Ethnomedicine and the importance of sacred groves in Herbology

5 hrs = 5 classes
Module 2. Basic principles of  Ayurvedic  Herbology:                      5hrs =  5 classes

  • Rasa (Tastes)
  • Guna (Properties)
  • Veerya (Potency)
  • Vipaka (Post digestive effect)

Module 3. Introduction to mostly used herbs :                              10 hrs = 10 classes

Sanskrit name , Local vernacular name , Latin name with families, Useful parts  ,  Taste, Potency, Post digestive effects, Internal uses, External uses, Chemical compositions, Collection of Herbs , Preservation techniques. Botanical classification and different groups of Herbs , Nomenclature, Soil types , Cultivation process , Collection of herbs, Preservation methods and measurements. Knowledge about extinct medicinal plants

Module 4. Preparation of Extracts ( Bio active ,  semi purified )   :

Commercial medicinal preparations, Techniques ,Choice of Herbal Solvents like Oils , Ghee , Alcohol , Glycerin and Water to prepare : Juice , Paste , Decoction , Cold infusion , Hot infusion , Preparation of Herbal Ayurveda Oils and Ghee , Tinctures , Syrups.                                                                                                               10hrs = 10 classes

Module 5. Preliminary knowledge on Herbal therapeutics :

Alternate herbs ,  Anti parasitical and anti-helminthic  herbs , Astringent herbs ,Antiviral and antibacterial herbs ,  Bitter tonic and antipyretic herbs , Carminative herbs , Diaphoretic herbs , Diuretic herbs , Expectorant and demulcent herbs , Laxative and purgative herbs , Nerving herbs , Anti-spasmodic herbs , Stimulant herbs , Digestive herbs , Tonics , Impurities in herbs and their purification methods, 
Ideal herb : Parts used, Herb combinations, Incompatible Herbs,  Anupana . Times of Herb administration, Routes of Herbal administration and Recommendation of Herbs.

Extensive knowledge on the use of the chemical compositions or bioactive compounds against disease and their Anupan or quantity of application  in comparison to  ancient Samhitas. Knowledge of herbal product with plant origin to support healthy life style.
                                                                                                               20hrs = 20 classes

Module 6.  Cosmetic Herbology

  • Knowledge about plants  and plant parts from where different well known cosmetics are made with latin names and families.
  • To nurture medicinal / aromatic herbs as indoor plants and capacity development
  • The extraction and proportion of the plant parts in making cosmetic items
  • Preparation of colour , Herbal abir , antibiotic soap   , astringent , cream , scrubber , oils , gums , perfumes from the plant parts and choice of solvents considering the skin of the patient.
  • Chemical composition and mode of action of the natural products
  • Knowledge about production houses of India and abroad and their facilities

                                                                                                                           20hrs = 20 classes
Module 7. Practical paper＊: ( Off line )
* Student must bear extra charges for attending off line practical programme in the departmental laboratory.

THE HIGHLIGHTED PORTION OF THE PRACTICAL SYLLABUS WILL BE WORKED OUT IN THE LABORATORY BY THE STUDENT TO GET BENCH EXPERIENCE.

  • Identification and preservation ( Herbarium ) of medicinal plants , useful parts with morphological description and therapeutic values.
  • The basic extraction processes and preparation process like solvent extraction, tincture, syrups, juices, oils, paste, decoction, cold infusion, hot infusion, preparation of Herbal Ayurveda Oils and Ghee.and preliminary knowledge on modern sophisticated extraction and purification techniques.
  • Making infusion, decoction, lotion, washers, insect repellents, suppositories, tincture, making herbal syrups, compresses, poultice, plasters, ointments, herbal oils and herbal salves. Surgical fibers, sutures and dressing.
  • Cosmetic products: Preparation of color , Herbal abir , antibiotic soap , astringent , cream , scrubber , oils , gums , perfumes from the plant parts and choice of solvents considering the skin of the patient , guidance to develop jewellary from dried aromatic leaves , flowers , to develop Potopouri.
  • Application amount standardization and molecular composition determination
  • Packaging and shelf life determination
  • Guidance to develop medicinal herb business and visit to a well known herbal medicine company

    Practical class = 3 hrs x 10 classes = 30 hrs

Class number and hours distribution /Module

Module Hours Class
One 5 5
Two 5 5
Three 10 10
Four 10 10
Five 20 20
Six 20 20
Seven 30 30
Total 100 100

References:

  1. Gokhale, S.S., C.K.Kokate and A.P. Purohit (1994) Pharmacognosy. NiraliPrakashan. Pune.
  2. Tyagi, Dinesh Kumar (2005) Pharma Forestry. Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi.
  3. Faroogi, A.A., and B.S. Sreeramu (2004). Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops. University Press (India) Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
  4. Singh & Jain (1985) Taxonomy of Angiosperms. Rastogi Publications, Meerut.
  5. Ethnobiology – R.K.Sinha& Shweta Sinha – 2001. Surabhe Publications – Jaipur.
  6. Tribal medicine – D.C. Pal & S.K. Jain 1998, Naya Prakash, 206, Bidhan Sarani, Calcutta – 700 006.
  7. Contribution to Indian ethnobotany – S.K. Jain 1995, 3rd edition, Scientific publishers, P.B.No. 91, Jodhpur, India.
  8. A Manual of Ethnobotany – S.K.Jain, 1995, 2nd edition.
  9. Herbs that Heal, Acharya Vipul Rao – Diamond Pocket Books, New Delhi.
  10. Practical Pharmacognosy. Dr.C.K. Kokate et al.
  11. Phytochemical methods, Horborne.
  12. An Introduction to Medicinal Botany and Pharmacognosy – N.C. Kumar, Emkay Publications, Delhi.

Some more Recommended books to study:

  1. A.P. Deshpande, PhD, and Subhash Ranade, PhD,  DravyagunaVigyna Volume 1 & 2
  2. J.L.N. Sastry, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda), PhD (Ayurveda) -  DravyagunaVijnana, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Volumes I – IV, Varanasi, India 2007
  3. David Frawley & Vasant Lad, BAMS, MAMS – The Yoga of Herbs, Lotus Press, Santa Fe, NM, USA 1996
  4. Francis Brinker, ND, Herb contraindications & Drug interactions, Eclectic Medical Publications, Oregon, USA 2001
  5. Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD – Healing Spices, Sterling Publishing, New York, USA 2011
  6. Quick Access – Professional Guide to Conditions, Herbs & Supplements, Integrative Medicine Communications, Newton, MA 2000
  7. Vaidya V.M.Gogte, Ayurvedic Pharmacology & Therapeutic uses of medicinal plants, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, India 2000
  8. Prof. K.R. Srikantha Murthy, Bhavaprakash of Bhavamisra Volume 1 & 2,  ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, Varanasi, India 2004