B.Pharm Introduction to Pharmacognosy MCQ Questions with Answers

Introduction to Pharmacognosy – BP105T Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with Answers unit-wise.

Unit – 1

Q1. The term “Pharmacognosy” is derived from which two classical Greek words?
A. Pharmakon (Drug) and Logos (Science)
B. Pharmakon (Drug) and Gnosis / Gignosco (Acquiring knowledge of)
C. Pharmakeia (Remedy) and Grapho (To write)
D. Physis (Nature) and Gnosis (Knowledge)
Correct Answer: (B) Pharmakon (Drug) and Gnosis / Gignosco (Acquiring knowledge of)

Q2. The word “Pharmacognosy” was first coined in 1811 by the Austrian physician J. A. Schmidt
in his published work titled:
A. Analecta Pharmacognostica
B. Lehrbuch der Materia Medica
C. De Materia Medica
D. Historia Plantarum
Correct Answer: (B) Lehrbuch der Materia Medica

Q3. Who utilized the term “Pharmacognosy” in 1815 in his doctoral dissertation titled “Analecta Pharmacognostica”?
A. C. A. Seydler
B. Friedrich Sertürner
C. Claudius Galen
D. Pierre-Joseph Pelletier
Correct Answer: (A) C. A. Seydler

Q4. Which of the following defines a “Crude Drug” according to modern pharmacognosy principles?
A. Purely synthesized chemical compounds evaluated for biochemical potency
B. Natural unrefined substances containing active principles that have undergone only simple collection, drying, or size-reduction processes
C. Recombinant biological proteins produced through bacterial expression vectors
D. Finished pharmaceutical dosage forms ready for immediate oral consumption
Correct Answer: (B) Natural unrefined substances containing active principles that have undergone only simple collection, drying, or size-reduction processes

Q5. The earliest known written clay tablets documenting the medicinal uses of Opium, Liquorice, Myrrh, and Castor oil originated from which civilization around 3000 BC?
A. Ancient Greek civilization
B. Roman Empire
C. Mesopotamian (Babylonian and Sumerian) civilization
D. Indus Valley civilization
Correct Answer: (C) Mesopotamian (Babylonian and Sumerian) civilization

Q6. Which ancient Egyptian medical papyrus dating to circa 1550 BC contains over 700 medicinal formulas featuring Senna, Aloes, Castor oil, and Peppermint?
A. Edwin Smith Papyrus
B. Papyrus Ebers
C. Kahun Papyrus
D. Hearst Papyrus
Correct Answer: (B) Papyrus Ebers

Q7. In classical Indian Ayurveda, Acharya Charaka categorized more than 500 plant drugs into 50 distinct therapeutic groups termed as:
A. Mahakashaya
B. Asavas
C. Rasayanas
D. Ghrithas
Correct Answer: (A) Mahakashaya

Q8. Which ancient Chinese herbal classic, attributed to Emperor Shen Nung, cataloged 365 drugs including Ma Huang (Ephedra), Rhubarb, and Ginseng?
A. Huangdi Neijing
B. Pen Ts’ao Ching (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica)
C. Bencao Gangmu
D. Shanghan Lun
Correct Answer: (B) Pen Ts’ao Ching (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica)

Q9. The Greek physician recognized as the “Father of Medicine” who revolutionized ancient therapy by rationalizing humoral pathology was:
A. Aristotle
B. Theophrastus
C. Hippocrates
D. Dioscorides
Correct Answer: (C) Hippocrates

Q10. Who is celebrated as the “Father of Botany” for classifying approximately 500 plants in his landmark treatise “Historia Plantarum”?
A. Theophrastus
B. Dioscorides
C. Pliny the Elder
D. Claudius Galen
Correct Answer: (A) Theophrastus

Q11. Pedanius Dioscorides authored which influential encyclopedia describing over 600 medicinal plants that served as the primary pharmacognostic reference for 1500 years?
A. Species Plantarum
B. De Materia Medica
C. Genera Plantarum
D. Canon of Medicine
Correct Answer: (B) De Materia Medica

Q12. The historical term “Galenicals” refers to vegetable drug extractions and compounding formulations devised by which Greco-Roman physician?
A. Hippocrates
B. Claudius Galen
C. Paracelsus
D. Alexander Fleming
Correct Answer: (B) Claudius Galen

Q13. In 1805, the birth of pure alkaloid phytochemistry occurred when German apothecary Friedrich Wilhelm Sertürner isolated which active principle from Opium?
A. Codeine
B. Morphine
C. Papaverine
D. Noscapine
Correct Answer: (B) Morphine

Q14. The French pharmacists Pierre-Joseph Pelletier and Joseph Bienaimé Caventou achieved the landmark isolation of which two alkaloids in 1820?
A. Quinine and Strychnine
B. Reserpine and Digitoxin
C. Atropine and Hyoscyamine
D. Paclitaxel and Vincristine
Correct Answer: (A) Quinine and Strychnine

Q15. Which biosynthetic pathway is extensively studied in modern pharmacognosy for elucidating the biogenesis of aromatic amino acids, phenylpropanoids, and phenolic metabolites?
A. Shikimic acid pathway
B. Glycolytic pathway
C. Pentose phosphate pathway
D. Urea cycle pathway
Correct Answer: (A) Shikimic acid pathway

Q16. Plant tissue culture (PTC) bioreactor scale-up has achieved industrial-scale commercial production of which antimicrobial naphthoquinone pigment from Lithospermum erythrorhizon cell suspensions?
A. Shikonin
B. Artemisinin
C. Reserpine
D. Digitoxin
Correct Answer: (A) Shikonin

Q17. In molecular pharmacognosy, which genetic loci are primarily amplified using PCR for DNA barcoding and distinguishing authentic medicinal plants from adulterants?
A. Hemoglobin alpha gene loci
B. Chloroplast genes rbcL, matK, and nuclear ITS2 region
C. Human beta-globin sequence fragments
D. Cytochrome P450 3A4 genomic exons
Correct Answer: (B) Chloroplast genes rbcL, matK, and nuclear ITS2 region

Q18. The potent cardiotonic glycosides Digoxin and Digitoxin, and the anthraquinone laxative Sennosides are procured from which specific morphological plant organ?
A. Barks
B. Leaves (Folium)
C. Subterranean Rhizomes
D. Seeds (Semen)
Correct Answer: (B) Leaves (Folium)

Q19. Heparin sodium, a life-saving clinical anticoagulant, is commercially derived from which biological animal source tissue?
A. Bovine adrenal gland medulla
B. Porcine (pig) intestinal mucosa
C. Ovine thyroid follicles
D. Piscine swim bladders
Correct Answer: (B) Porcine (pig) intestinal mucosa

Q20. The aminoglycoside antibacterial Streptomycin, critical in tuberculosis pharmacotherapy, was historically isolated from which microbial source?
A. Streptomyces griseus
B. Penicillium chrysogenum
C. Bacillus subtilis
D. Aspergillus terreus
Correct Answer: (A) Streptomyces griseus

Unit – 2

Q1. Which of the following is considered a primary commercial advantage of cultivating medicinal plants compared to wild forest harvesting?
A. Complete elimination of all secondary metabolite biosynthesis
B. Guaranteed botanical authenticity, uniform chemical potency, and regular industrial raw material supply
C. High reliance on random seasonal forest regrowth
D. Zero requirement for post-harvest drying and garbling procedures
Correct Answer: (B) Guaranteed botanical authenticity, uniform chemical potency, and regular industrial raw
material supply

Q2. In sexual propagation of medicinal plants, the pre-treatment process involving moist chilling of dormant seeds at 0°C to 5°C to promote germination is known as:
A. Scarification
B. Stratification
C. Lyophilization
D. Garbling
Correct Answer: (B) Stratification

Q3. Mechanical abrasion or concentrated acid treatment utilized to break hard, impermeable seed coats before sowing is termed:
A. Scarification
B. Stratification
C. Vernalization
D. Bolting
Correct Answer: (A) Scarification

Q4. Which of the following crude drug-yielding plants is commercially propagated primarily through true seeds (sexual propagation)?
A. Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
B. Plantago ovata (Isabgol)
C. Allium sativum (Garlic)
D. Mentha arvensis (Mint)
Correct Answer: (B) Plantago ovata (Isabgol)

Q5. Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Curcuma longa (Turmeric) are commercially propagated vegetatively by planting which specialized plant organ?
A. Bulbs
B. Underground Rhizomes
C. Aerial Runners
D. Stem cuttings
Correct Answer: (B) Underground Rhizomes

Q6. Which vegetative plant organ is utilized for the standard asexual propagation of Allium sativum (Garlic) and Urginea indica (Squill)?
A. Corms
B. Bulbs
C. Tubers
D. Runners
Correct Answer: (B) Bulbs

Q7. Commercial propagation of Mentha arvensis (Japanese Mint) is predominantly executed in agricultural fields using:
A. True seeds
B. Stolons or Runners (Suckers)
C. Bulbils
D. Aerial tuberous roots
Correct Answer: (B) Stolons or Runners (Suckers)

Q8. For cultivating Dioscorea deltoidea (Yam), which contains steroidal diosgenin, the preferred vegetative planting material is:
A. Leaf cuttings
B. Tuber pieces
C. Flower buds
D. Microspores
Correct Answer: (B) Tuber pieces

Q9. In micropropagation (plant tissue culture), what standard nutrient basal medium is most widely employed for aseptic organogenesis and shoot proliferation?
A. MacConkey agar medium
B. Murashige and Skoog (MS) Medium
C. Sabouraud dextrose broth
D. Nutrient gelatin medium
Correct Answer: (B) Murashige and Skoog (MS) Medium

Q10. According to WHO Guidelines on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), farm site selection strictly requires the complete absence of hazardous contamination from:
A. Heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury) and industrial effluents
B. Nitrogen-fixing symbiotic soil bacteria
C. Natural organic farm compost
D. Earthworm castings
Correct Answer: (A) Heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury) and industrial effluents

Q11. To ensure authentic botanical identity under WHO-GAP regulations, what essential documentation must be deposited in a recognized herbarium?
A. An invoice of purchased chemical fertilizers
B. An authenticated Botanical Voucher Specimen
C. A soil pH titration report
D. A certificate of pesticide residue testing
Correct Answer: (B) An authenticated Botanical Voucher Specimen

Q12. What primary risk does Good Collection Practices (GCP) aim to mitigate through compulsory botanical training of wild plant harvesters?
A. Accidental collection of toxic morphological look-alikes (e.g., confusing Digitalis with Verbascum)
B. Use of synthetic irrigation fertilizers
C. Formation of polyploid plant varieties in nature
D. Rapid decline in soil microbial populations
Correct Answer: (A) Accidental collection of toxic morphological look-alikes (e.g., confusing Digitalis with
Verbascum)

Q13. In crude drug processing, the primary post-harvest procedure involving removal of discolored parts, weeds, soil debris, and foreign plant organs is known as:
A. Stratification
B. Garbling (Dressing)
C. Lyophilization
D. Maceration
Correct Answer: (B) Garbling (Dressing)

Q14. Cinchona trees cultivated at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 meters produce high amounts of quinine, whereas those grown at sea level (plains) show:
A. Drastically reduced or negligible alkaloid content
B. A complete transition from quinine to volatile oil
C. Hyper-accumulation of cardiac glycosides
D. Total absence of woody cortex tissue
Correct Answer: (A) Drastically reduced or negligible alkaloid content

Q15. Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) thrives naturally and synthesizes medicinal picrosides exclusively in which geographical elevation zone?
A. Coastal sea plains (0-200 m)
B. Deciduous plateau forests (500-800 m)
C. Sub-alpine and alpine Himalayas (3,000-4,500 m)
D. Arid desert zones (200-400 m)
Correct Answer: (C) Sub-alpine and alpine Himalayas (3,000-4,500 m)

Q16. Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium), cultivated for natural insecticide pyrethrins, requires which climatic condition for flower bud initiation?
A. Continuous desert heat above 45°C
B. A period of low temperature chilling below 15°C
C. High salinity coastal water inundation
D. Complete darkness for six months
Correct Answer: (B) A period of low temperature chilling below 15°C

Q17. In the cultivation of Peppermint (Mentha piperita), how does exposure to long day photoperiods influence essential oil composition?
A. Long photoperiods increase menthol accumulation, while short days produce undesirable menthofuran
B. Long photoperiods completely inhibit volatile oil formation
C. Short days stimulate higher terpene biosynthesis than long days
D. Light photoperiod has zero impact on monoterpene pathways
Correct Answer: (A) Long photoperiods increase menthol accumulation, while short days produce undesirable menthofuran

Q18. In Datura stramonium, the biosynthesis of therapeutic tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine and scopolamine) is maximized under:
A. Continuous dense shade
B. High-intensity bright sunlight
C. Complete water submersion
D. Low-oxygen greenhouse chambers
Correct Answer: (B) High-intensity bright sunlight

Q19. Which primary soil macronutrient specifically promotes vegetative growth and enhances total alkaloid yield in medicinal plants?
A. Nitrogen (N)
B. Calcium (Ca)
C. Iron (Fe)
D. Silicon (Si)
Correct Answer: (A) Nitrogen (N)

Q20. In soil fertilization, which element promotes root elongation and phospholipid synthesis, while potassium accelerates carbohydrate and glycoside accumulation?
A. Phosphorus (P)
B. Boron (B)
C. Sodium (Na)
D. Chlorine (Cl)
Correct Answer: (A) Phosphorus (P)

Unit – 3

Q1. How is “Adulteration” strictly defined in pharmacognostical quality control of crude drugs?
A. The standard pharmaceutical extraction of active principles using organic solvents
B. The intentional, accidental, or fraudulent debasement of genuine drug material with inferior, exhausted, or toxic substances
C. The physiological accumulation of secondary metabolites during plant flowering
D. The enzymatic biotransformation of phytoconstituents during controlled drying
Correct Answer: (B) The intentional, accidental, or fraudulent debasement of genuine drug material with inferior, exhausted, or toxic substances

Q2. The intentional admixture of authentic Indian Senna (Cassia angustifolia) with wild Dog Senna (Cassia obovata / Senna italica) represents which class of adulteration?
A. Chemical fortification with synthetic drugs
B. Adulteration using substandard commercial varieties
C. Addition of inorganic toxic coloring matter
D. Admixture with exhausted marc
Correct Answer: (B) Adulteration using substandard commercial varieties

Q3. Premium Saffron (stigmata of Crocus sativus) is frequently debased by blending with dried florets of Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower); this exemplifies adulteration using:
A. Superficially similar inferior plant materials
B. Artificially manufactured synthetic entities
C. Spent exhausted marc
D. Inorganic earth minerals
Correct Answer: (A) Superficially similar inferior plant materials

Q4. Diluting pure Apis honey with artificial invert sugar syrup, or molding colored industrial paraffin wax to sell as yellow beeswax, illustrates which mode of adulteration?
A. Vegetative tissue overload
B. Artificially manufactured materials
C. Inadvertent collector error
D. Substandard wild harvesting
Correct Answer: (B) Artificially manufactured materials

Q5. In testing for exhausted (spent) crude drugs, how do genuine clove buds behave in water compared to volatile oil-depleted exhausted cloves?
A. Genuine cloves float horizontally, whereas exhausted cloves sink immediately
B. Genuine cloves sink or stand vertically due to heavy eugenol oil, whereas exhausted cloves float horizontally on the water surface
C. Genuine cloves dissolve completely within 5 minutes
D. Both float identically with zero physical differentiation
Correct Answer: (B) Genuine cloves sink or stand vertically due to heavy eugenol oil, whereas exhausted cloves float horizontally on the water surface

Q6. Intentionally mixing excessive amounts of woody stems, petioles, or stalks into pure clove buds or
Senna leaflets is termed:
A. Superficially similar weed addition
B. Vegetative tissue overload
C. Synthetic chemical fortification
D. Microbial bio-contamination
Correct Answer: (B) Vegetative tissue overload

Q7. The fraudulent addition of neurotoxic Lead Chromate or Metanil Yellow into faded Curcuma longa (Turmeric) powder represents:
A. Admixture with exhausted organic marc
B. Inorganic contaminants and toxic coloring matter
C. Biological replacement with allied species
D. Controlled pharmaceutical crystallization
Correct Answer: (B) Inorganic contaminants and toxic coloring matter

Q8. Adding synthetic or isolated citral into natural lemon oil to deceptively elevate its analytical quality profile is an example of:
A. Substandard commercial grading
B. Chemical fortification
C. Vegetative tissue dilution
D. Physical garbling error
Correct Answer: (B) Chemical fortification

Q9. Which primary commercial factor drives the intentional adulteration of high-value natural commodities like Saffron, Cardamom, and Clove?
A. High profit margins and disparity between market demand and natural supply scarcity
B. Complete absence of secondary metabolites in wild plants
C. The legal mandate to reduce essential oil concentrations
D. High solubility of dried plant materials in cold water
Correct Answer: (A) High profit margins and disparity between market demand and natural supply scarcity

Q10. Comprehensive crude drug evaluation and standardization are systematically accomplished through which five analytical approaches?
A. Agricultural, Agronomic, Ecological, Geological, and Meteorological
B. Organoleptic, Microscopic, Physical, Chemical, and Biological evaluations
C. Thermal, Gravimetric, Volumetric, Polarographic, and Potentiometric
D. Taxonomic, Morphological, Anatomic, Floristic, and Ethnobotanical
Correct Answer: (B) Organoleptic, Microscopic, Physical, Chemical, and Biological evaluations

Q11. In organoleptic examination, heavily lignified bast fiber zones in Cinchona and Glycyrrhiza yield which characteristic structural fracture line upon breaking?
A. Smooth, glassy conchoidal break
B. Splintery, fibrous fracture
C. Clean, short starchy snap
D. Waxy, crumbling disintegration
Correct Answer: (B) Splintery, fibrous fracture

Q12. What primary phytoconstituent class accounts for the intensely sweet taste profile of unfermented Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice) root?
A. Secoiridoid bitter glucosides
B. Triterpenoid saponin glycosides (Glycyrrhizin)
C. Volatile phenylpropanoids
D. Condensed catechol tannins
Correct Answer: (B) Triterpenoid saponin glycosides (Glycyrrhizin)

Q13. In microscopic qualitative diagnostics, Paracytic (Rubiaceous) stomata are structurally characterized by:
A. Guard cells surrounded by two subsidiary cells whose long axes lie parallel to the stoma pore (e.g., Senna, Coca)
B. Guard cells enclosed by two subsidiary cells whose long axes lie perpendicular to the stoma pore
C. Guard cells surrounded by three subsidiary cells, one being distinctly smaller than the other two
D. Guard cells surrounded by a variable number of non-specialized epidermal cells
Correct Answer: (A) Guard cells surrounded by two subsidiary cells whose long axes lie parallel to the stoma pore (e.g., Senna, Coca)

Q14. Diacytic (Caryophyllaceous / cross-celled) stomata possess guard cells enclosed by two subsidiary cells whose shared wall is perpendicular to the stoma, as observed in:
A. Cassia angustifolia (Senna)
B. Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka) and Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
C. Datura stramonium
D. Digitalis purpurea
Correct Answer: (B) Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka) and Mentha piperita (Peppermint)

Q15. Anisocytic (Cruciferous) stomata, in which the stoma is surrounded by three subsidiary cells of unequal size (one distinctly smaller), are diagnostic for leaves of:
A. Datura stramonium and Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae)
B. Digitalis purpurea
C. Syzygium aromaticum
D. Cassia senna
Correct Answer: (A) Datura stramonium and Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae)

Q16. Anomocytic (Ranunculaceous / irregular-celled) stomata, lacking distinct subsidiary cells and surrounded by ordinary epidermal cells, are diagnostic for:
A. Digitalis purpurea and Clove
B. Cassia senna
C. Adhatoda vasica
D. Atropa belladonna
Correct Answer: (A) Digitalis purpurea and Clove

Q17. Which diagnostic covering trichome is unicellular, conical, thick-walled, and heavily warty in Senna, versus unicellular and densely lignified in Nux-vomica seed?
A. Unicellular non-glandular covering trichome
B. Multicellular multiseriate glandular head trichome
C. Peltate labiate secretory trichome
D. Stellate branching candelabra hair
Correct Answer: (A) Unicellular non-glandular covering trichome

Q18. Glandular trichomes consisting of a short unicellular stalk and a large multicellular circular head (peltate labiate trichomes) are diagnostic for which medicinal family?
A. Lamiaceae (e.g., Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme)
B. Solanaceae
C. Papaveraceae
D. Rubiaceae
Correct Answer: (A) Lamiaceae (e.g., Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme)

Q19. Under polarizing microscopy, which distinctive calcium oxalate crystal morphology is diagnostic for Urginea indica (Squill), in contrast to rosettes in Rhubarb and sandy microsphenoids in Belladonna?
A. Acicular needles (Raphide bundles)
B. Prismatic column crystals
C. Stellate cluster rosettes
D. Large solitary cubical prisms
Correct Answer: (A) Acicular needles (Raphide bundles)

Q20. In quantitative microscopy of medicinal leaves, what is the definition of “Stomatal Number”?
A. The percentage of stomata relative to epidermal cells
B. The average number of stomata present per square millimeter (mm²) of leaf epidermis
C. The total count of stomata present on an entire whole intact leaf
D. The number of palisade cells aligned below each stoma
Correct Answer: (B) The average number of stomata present per square millimeter (mm²) of leaf epidermis

Unit – 4

Q1. Which fundamental functional distinction differentiates Primary plant metabolites from Secondary plant metabolites?
A. Primary metabolites are toxic defense chemicals, while secondary metabolites support basic cellular respiration
B. Primary metabolites are directly essential for growth, development, and respiration, while secondary metabolites serve ecological defense, adaptation, and pharmacological roles
C. Primary metabolites occur only in specialized plant families, whereas secondary metabolites are universally
distributed in all living cells
D. Primary metabolites are biosynthesized exclusively during environmental stress conditions
Correct Answer: (B) Primary metabolites are directly essential for growth, development, and respiration,
while secondary metabolites serve ecological defense, adaptation, and pharmacological roles

Q2. In plant physiology and phytochemistry, the distribution of Primary metabolites across the plant kingdom is:
A. Restricted solely to gymnosperms
B. Universal across all living plant cells and plant species
C. Limited exclusively to medicinal flowering herbs
D. Confined to specialized laticiferous plant ducts
Correct Answer: (B) Universal across all living plant cells and plant species

Q3. Chemically, Carbohydrates (Saccharides) are strictly defined as:
A. Polyhydroxy aldehydes, polyhydroxy ketones, or substances that yield these units upon hydrolysis
B. Long-chain polymers of L-alpha-amino acids joined by covalent peptide bonds
C. Esters of fatty acids with high molecular weight monohydric alcohols
D. Naturally occurring basic nitrogenous heterocyclic organic bases
Correct Answer: (A) Polyhydroxy aldehydes, polyhydroxy ketones, or substances that yield these units upon
hydrolysis

Q4. Which of the following carbohydrates is structurally classified as an aldohexose (dextrose) versus
a ketohexose (levulose)?
A. D-Glucose is an aldohexose, while D-Fructose is a ketohexose
B. D-Fructose is an aldohexose, while D-Glucose is a ketohexose
C. Arabinose is an aldohexose, while Ribose is a ketohexose
D. Both D-Glucose and D-Fructose are aldopentoses
Correct Answer: (A) D-Glucose is an aldohexose, while D-Fructose is a ketohexose

Q5. In oligosaccharide chemistry, Maltose is a disaccharide composed of which monomeric units linked through what specific glycosidic bond?
A. Two D-glucose units linked via an alpha-1,4-glycosidic bond
B. One D-glucose and one D-galactose unit linked via beta-1,4 linkage
C. One D-glucose and one D-fructose unit linked via alpha-1,beta-2 linkage
D. Two D-galactose units linked via beta-1,3 linkage
Correct Answer: (A) Two D-glucose units linked via an alpha-1,4-glycosidic bond

Q6. Inulin is a reserve homopolysaccharide composed of linear polymers of D-fructose; what is its primary diagnostic pharmaceutical application?
A. Tablet disintegrant in sustained-release pellets
B. Intravenous clinical diagnostic marker for evaluating glomerular filtration rate (renal clearance)
C. Synthetic blood plasma expander
D. Lipophilic suppository vehicle
Correct Answer: (B) Intravenous clinical diagnostic marker for evaluating glomerular filtration rate (renal
clearance)

Q7. What chemical reaction and diagnostic visual observation occur in Molisch’s general test for
carbohydrates?
A. Concentrated sulfuric acid dehydrates carbohydrates into furfurals that condense with alpha-naphthol, forming a purple/violet ring at the interface
B. Reduction of cupric sulfate to brick-red cuprous oxide throughout the solution
C. Formation of a yellow picrate crystalline precipitate
D. Precipitation of white insoluble mercuric salts
Correct Answer: (A) Concentrated sulfuric acid dehydrates carbohydrates into furfurals that condense with alpha-naphthol, forming a purple/violet ring at the interface

Q8. During Fehling’s test, reducing sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, maltose) reduce alkaline cupric ions
(Cu2+) to form a characteristic precipitate of:
A. Brick-red Cuprous oxide (Cu2O)
B. Black Cupric oxide (CuO)
C. Blue Cupric hydroxide
D. White Cuprous chloride
Correct Answer: (A) Brick-red Cuprous oxide (Cu2O)

Q9. Which diagnostic chemical test utilizes cupric acetate in dilute acetic acid to differentiate reducing
monosaccharides from reducing disaccharides within 3 minutes?
A. Barfoed’s test
B. Molisch’s test
C. Biuret test
D. Keller-Kiliani test
Correct Answer: (A) Barfoed’s test

Q10. The Ruthenium Red test is a histochemical reagent applied to powdered crude drugs or tissue sections; what observation confirms the presence of plant Mucilage?
A. Development of a distinct Pink or Red coloration (e.g., Isabgol, Senna)
B. Formation of an intense deep blue complex
C. Deposition of black elemental silver mirror
D. Production of effervescent carbon dioxide bubbles
Correct Answer: (A) Development of a distinct Pink or Red coloration (e.g., Isabgol, Senna)

Q11. The Biuret test yields a characteristic violet/purple coordination complex in the presence of proteins because cupric ions (Cu2+) coordinate with:
A. Two or more covalent peptide bonds (-CO-NH-)
B. Free unbonded single carboxyl groups
C. Aromatic benzene side chains
D. Terminal sulfhydryl (-SH) moieties
Correct Answer: (A) Two or more covalent peptide bonds (-CO-NH-)

Q12. In amino acid analysis, Ninhydrin reagent (triketohydrindene hydrate) reacts with alpha-amino acids to produce Ruhemann’s purple, but produces a distinctive yellow color with:
A. Glycine
B. Proline (an imino acid)
C. Tryptophan
D. Alanine
Correct Answer: (B) Proline (an imino acid)

Q13. Millon’s test (mercuric nitrate in nitric acid with nitrous acid) produces a white precipitate turning
brick-red upon gentle warming, which is specific for which amino acid?
A. Tyrosine (phenolic hydroxyl group)
B. Cysteine
C. Leucine
D. Valine
Correct Answer: (A) Tyrosine (phenolic hydroxyl group)

Q14. In lipid classification, what chemical and physical property differentiates Fixed Oils from Fats?
A. Fixed oils are triglycerides liquid at 20°C containing higher unsaturated fatty acids, whereas fats are solid/semisolid at 20°C containing predominant saturated fatty acids
B. Fixed oils contain monohydric alcohols, whereas fats contain glycerol
C. Fixed oils are completely steam-distillable without leaving grease spots
D. Fats are completely soluble in pure water at room temperature
Correct Answer: (A) Fixed oils are triglycerides liquid at 20°C containing higher unsaturated fatty acids, whereas fats are solid/semi-solid at 20°C containing predominant saturated fatty acids

Q15. Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Oil from Theobroma cacao) is utilized extensively as a pharmaceutical
suppository base primarily because it:
A. Melts sharply between 34°C and 36°C (just below normal human physiological body temperature)
B. Forms covalent bonds with rectal mucous membranes
C. Boils at physiological stomach temperatures
D. Remains rigid and unmelted up to 60°C
Correct Answer: (A) Melts sharply between 34°C and 36°C (just below normal human physiological body
temperature)

Q16. Chemically, pharmaceutical Waxes (such as Beeswax and Carnauba wax) are classified as:
A. Esters of long-chain fatty acids with high molecular weight monohydric alcohols
B. Triesters of fatty acids with trihydric glycerol
C. Free steroidal saponin aglycones
D. Polymers of isoprene units linked head-to-tail
Correct Answer: (A) Esters of long-chain fatty acids with high molecular weight monohydric alcohols

Q17. The Acid Value (AV) of a lipid sample is defined as the number of milligrams of KOH required to
neutralize free fatty acids in 1.0 g of fat/oil, serving as a measure of:
A. Hydrolytic rancidity and storage decomposition
B. Mean molecular weight of fatty acids
C. Number of unsaturated ethylenic double bonds
D. Total ester-linked triglyceride mass
Correct Answer: (A) Hydrolytic rancidity and storage decomposition

Q18. What defines a “True Alkaloid” in pharmacognostical chemistry?
A. Derived biosynthetically from amino acids and containing nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring (e.g., Atropine, Quinine, Morphine)
B. Possessing an aliphatic non-heterocyclic nitrogen side chain derived from terpenes
C. Derived exclusively from the acetate-malonate pathway without any amino acid precursors
D. Chemically neutral steroids lacking basic reaction with litmus
Correct Answer: (A) Derived biosynthetically from amino acids and containing nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring
(e.g., Atropine, Quinine, Morphine)

Q19. Protoalkaloids (amino alkaloids or biological amines) differ from true alkaloids because they:
A. Are biosynthesized from amino acids but contain nitrogen in an aliphatic side-chain rather than a heterocyclic ring (e.g., Ephedrine, Colchicine)
B. Contain no nitrogen atoms in their chemical structure
C. Are synthetic heterocyclic compounds manufactured industrially
D. Are purine derivatives biosynthesized via mevalonate pathways
Correct Answer: (A) Are biosynthesized from amino acids but contain nitrogen in an aliphatic side-chain rather than a heterocyclic ring (e.g., Ephedrine, Colchicine)

Q20. Pseudoalkaloids are natural basic compounds whose carbon skeletons are not biosynthetically derived from amino acids; standard examples include:
A. Caffeine, Theobromine (purine alkaloids) and Solanidine (steroidal alkaloid)
B. Morphine and Codeine
C. Quinine and Cinchonine
D. Atropine and Scopolamine
Correct Answer: (A) Caffeine, Theobromine (purine alkaloids) and Solanidine (steroidal alkaloid)

Unit – 5

Q1. What is the botanical source, used morphological plant part, and botanical family of the adaptogenic herb Ashwagandha?
A. Dried mature roots of Withania somnifera (Family: Solanaceae)
B. Dried leaves of Ocimum sanctum (Family: Lamiaceae)
C. Dried mature fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (Family: Phyllanthaceae)
D. Dried rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa (Family: Plantaginaceae)
Correct Answer: (A) Dried mature roots of Withania somnifera (Family: Solanaceae)

Q2. Which primary class of secondary metabolites comprises the characteristic ergostane-type bioactive principles (Withaferin A and Withanolide D) in Withania somnifera?
A. Steroidal lactones (Withanolides)
B. Secoiridoid bitter glucosides
C. Flavonolignans
D. Quinazoline alkaloids
Correct Answer: (A) Steroidal lactones (Withanolides)

Q3. Through which physiological mechanism does Ashwagandha primarily exert its adaptogenic and
anti-stress pharmacological effects?
A. Modulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and regulation of corticoid hormones
B. Direct irreversible blockade of cardiac beta-1 receptors
C. Selective competitive inhibition of renal sodium-glucose cotransporters
D. Direct lysis of bacterial peptidoglycan walls
Correct Answer: (A) Modulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and regulation of corticoid
hormones

Q4. What is the biological source and botanical family of Tulsi (Holy Basil)?
A. Fresh and dried leaves of Ocimum sanctum (Ocimum tenuiflorum) (Family: Lamiaceae)
B. Fresh bulbs of Allium sativum (Family: Amaryllidaceae)
C. Dried aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata (Family: Acanthaceae)
D. Dried leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (Family: Apocynaceae)
Correct Answer: (A) Fresh and dried leaves of Ocimum sanctum (Ocimum tenuiflorum) (Family: Lamiaceae)

Q5. Which volatile phenylpropanoid component constitutes 70% to 80% of the essential oil of common
chemotypes of Ocimum sanctum leaves?
A. Eugenol (4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol)
B. Cinnamaldehyde
C. Menthol
D. Thymol
Correct Answer: (A) Eugenol (4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol)

Q6. What is the botanical source and updated botanical family classification of Amla (Indian
Gooseberry)?
A. Dried or fresh mature fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (Emblica officinalis) (Family: Phyllanthaceae)
B. Dried bark of Terminalia arjuna (Family: Combretaceae)
C. Dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (Family: Zingiberaceae)
D. Dried roots of Asparagus racemosus (Family: Asparagaceae)
Correct Answer: (A) Dried or fresh mature fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (Emblica officinalis) (Family:
Phyllanthaceae)

Q7. The potent antioxidant activity of Phyllanthus emblica fruit is predominantly attributed to which
low-molecular-weight hydrolyzable tannins?
A. Emblicanin A and Emblicanin B
B. Sennoside A and Sennoside B
C. Bacoside A and Bacoside B
D. Shatavarin I and Shatavarin IV
Correct Answer: (A) Emblicanin A and Emblicanin B

Q8. Milk Thistle (Silybum) is an established hepatoprotective botanical derived from which part and
family of Silybum marianum?
A. Dried ripe fruits (achenes) (Family: Asteraceae / Compositae)
B. Fresh underground rhizomes (Family: Zingiberaceae)
C. Dried stem wood (Family: Menispermaceae)
D. Dried leaves (Family: Acanthaceae)
Correct Answer: (A) Dried ripe fruits (achenes) (Family: Asteraceae / Compositae)

Q9. The standardized hepatoprotective extract “Silymarin” isolated from Silybum marianum is
chemically a complex of flavonolignans predominantly containing:
A. Silibinin (Silybin A & B), Isosilibinin, Silicristin, and Silidianin
B. Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Rutin
C. Picroside-I, Picroside-II, and Kutkoside
D. Arjunic acid and Arjunolic acid
Correct Answer: (A) Silibinin (Silybin A & B), Isosilibinin, Silicristin, and Silidianin

Q10. At the cellular level, how does Silibinin accelerate hepatic parenchymal regeneration in damaged
liver tissue?
A. Activation of nucleolar DNA-dependent RNA Polymerase I, stimulating ribosomal protein synthesis
B. Inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain
C. Suppression of bile secretion from hepatocyte canaliculi
D. Direct alkylation of nuclear DNA bases
Correct Answer: (A) Activation of nucleolar DNA-dependent RNA Polymerase I, stimulating ribosomal protein
synthesis

Q11. Kutki is an alpine Ayurvedic hepatoprotective crude drug procured from the dried roots and
rhizomes of:
A. Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Family: Plantaginaceae)
B. Swertia chirata (Family: Gentianaceae)
C. Bacopa monnieri (Family: Scrophulariaceae)
D. Curcuma longa (Family: Zingiberaceae)
Correct Answer: (A) Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Family: Plantaginaceae)

Q12. What are the active bitter iridoid glycosides that form the “Kutkin complex” responsible for the
choleretic action of Picrorhiza kurroa?
A. Picroside-I, Picroside-II, and Kutkoside
B. Amarogentin and Swertiamarin
C. Bacoside A3 and Bacopaside I
D. Gymnemasaponin III and Gurmarin
Correct Answer: (A) Picroside-I, Picroside-II, and Kutkoside

Q13. What is the name of the standardized bioactive fraction containing Picroside-I and Kutkoside
developed by the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) for hepatoprotection?
A. Picroliv
B. Silymarin
C. Curcuminoid C3
D. Liv-52 Forte
Correct Answer: (A) Picroliv

Q14. In intact Garlic bulbs (Allium sativum), the odorless sulfur-containing precursor amino acid Alliin
is converted into pungent Allicin upon crushing by the enzyme:
A. Alliinase
B. Lipoxygenase
C. Cyclooxygenase
D. Glucosidase
Correct Answer: (A) Alliinase

Q15. Chemically, Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) rapidly decomposes in garlic preparations into which
potent antithrombotic and lipid-lowering compounds?
A. Ajoene and Diallyl disulfide
B. Ricinoleic acid and Glycerol
C. Ferulic acid and Umbelliferone
D. Withaferin A and Withanone
Correct Answer: (A) Ajoene and Diallyl disulfide

Q16. Through which mechanism of action does Allium sativum (Garlic) exert its reported hypolipidemic
and antihypertensive effects?
A. Inhibition of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production
B. Antagonism of cardiac M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
C. Selective inhibition of renal tubular sodium reabsorption
D. Irreversible stimulation of vascular thromboxane A2 synthase
Correct Answer: (A) Inhibition of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide
(NO) production

Q17. What is the biological source, utilized plant part, and botanical family of the cardiotonic drug
Arjuna?
A. Dried stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Family: Combretaceae)
B. Dried roots of Rauwolfia serpentina (Family: Apocynaceae)
C. Dried seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Family: Fabaceae)
D. Dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea (Family: Plantaginaceae)
Correct Answer: (A) Dried stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Family: Combretaceae)

Q18. Which diagnostic triterpenoids and saponin glycosides are characteristic active constituents of
Terminalia arjuna bark?
A. Arjunic acid, Arjunolic acid, and Arjunglucosides I & II
B. Reserpine, Rescinnamine, and Ajmaline
C. Digoxin, Digitoxin, and Gitoxin
D. Sennosides A, B, C, and D
Correct Answer: (A) Arjunic acid, Arjunolic acid, and Arjunglucosides I & II

Q19. Terminalia arjuna bark preparations are widely used in cardiovascular disorders because of which
therapeutic property?
A. Positive inotropic and cardiotonic action with protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury
B. General peripheral vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure
C. Potent neuromuscular junction blockade
D. Selective suppression of cardiac pacemaker electrical conductance
Correct Answer: (A) Positive inotropic and cardiotonic action with protection against ischemia-reperfusion
injury

Q20. What is the botanical origin and family of the antidiabetic herb Gymnema (Gudmar / “Sugar
Destroyer”)?
A. Dried leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (Family: Apocynaceae / formerly Asclepiadaceae)
B. Dried seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Family: Fabaceae)
C. Dried roots of Withania somnifera (Family: Solanaceae)
D. Dried whole herb of Bacopa monnieri (Family: Plantaginaceae)
Correct Answer: (A) Dried leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (Family: Apocynaceae / formerly Asclepiadaceae)