Which term relates to a branch of science focusing on the origin and nature of plant-derived medicines?

• A. Pharmacognosy
• B. Pharmacology
• C. Pharmacologists
• D. Local OSHA Plans

Answer: (A)

The term describes the science that investigates the origin and nature of plant-derived medicines. Pharmacognosy focuses on natural sources of drugs, especially plants, and their chemical constituents, how those substances are identified, extracted, and standardized, and how they’re used as medicines. This field is the foundation for discovering and quality-controlling herbal and natural products, studying compounds like alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids from plant sources, and understanding their taxonomy and biosynthesis.

In contrast, pharmacology deals with how drugs act in the body—their mechanisms, effects, and therapeutic uses—rather than where they come from. Pharmacologists are the scientists who study those drug effects. Local OSHA Plans are regulatory guidelines, not a scientific discipline.