Which term studies medicinal drugs derived from plants?

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

Answer: (A)

Pharmacognosy is the study of natural products used as medicines, with a focus on drugs derived from plants and other natural sources. It covers identifying, extracting, isolating, characterizing, and quality-controlling plant-derived drugs, as well as understanding their pharmacologic properties. This makes it the best fit for the question, since it specifically targets medicinal compounds from plants. In contrast, pharmacology looks at how drugs work in the body overall—mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and effects—regardless of origin. A pharmacologist is a person who studies or works in pharmacology, not the field itself. Local OSHA Plans relate to occupational safety regulations and have no direct connection to drug studies.