Plant Material Selection & Botanical Authentication
The first phase of phytopharmaceutical research establishes the scientific foundation upon which subsequent extraction, screening, and formulation work depends: correct selection of the plant part to be studied and rigorous authentication of its botanical identity. Because phytoconstituent yield and biological activity vary markedly between plant parts and can be confounded by adulteration or misidentification, this phase covers the concept and classification of medicinal plants, the rationale for plant part selection, the macroscopic, microscopic, molecular, and chemical methods used to authenticate raw material, and the collection, herbarium deposition, and storage practices that safeguard material integrity.
Chapter overview
The objectives, concepts, and authentication methods that underpin plant material selection and botanical authentication.
01
Objectives
02
Introduction to Phytopharmacy & Phytomedicine
03
Medicinal Plants: Concept and Classification
04
Plant Part Selection Rationale
05
Botanical Authentication: Principles and Necessity
06
Macroscopic (Organoleptic) Authentication
07
Microscopic Authentication (Histological Evaluation)
08
Molecular Authentication: DNA Barcoding
09
Chemical Authentication: Chromatographic Fingerprinting
10
Herbarium Deposition and Voucher Specimen Requirements
11
Collection, Processing, Drying, and Storage of Plant Material