FYUG Odd Semester Exam, 2023 (Held in 2024) BOTANY (Medicinal Plants and Herbal Technology) Course No.: BOTSEC-101T

Subject Botany Paper Code BOTSEC-101T
Semester 1st Semester (FYUG) Full Marks 50
Time 2 Hours Pass Marks 20

Instructions: The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions. Answer fifteen questions from Section-A and five questions each from Section-B and Section-C as per instructions.

SECTION-A (Short Answers)

Answer any fifteen questions, selecting any three from each Unit (1 mark each).

UNIT-I

1. What is Ayurveda?1

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian indigenous system of medicine that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.

2. What is Siddha medicine?1

Siddha is a traditional system of medicine originating from South India, primarily Tamil Nadu, based on the philosophy of five elements and three humors.

3. Define medicinal herb.1

A medicinal herb is any plant or plant part (leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark) valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities used in healthcare.

4. Name two indigenous systems of medicine.1

Two indigenous systems of medicine are Ayurveda and Siddha.

UNIT-II

5. Write the full form of CIMAP.1

The full form of CIMAP is Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

6. Name one plant in curing Jaundice.1

Phyllanthus niruri (commonly known as Bhumyamalaki or Stonebreaker) is used in curing jaundice.

7. Give example of one plant in curing diabetics.1

Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar) or Momordica charantia (Bitter gourd) are plants used in curing diabetes.

8. Give example of one endangered medicinal plant.1

Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew) or Nardostachys jatamansi are examples of endangered medicinal plants.

UNIT-III

9. Define pharmacognosy.1

Pharmacognosy is the branch of knowledge concerned with medicinal drugs obtained from plants or other natural sources.

10. Write the scientific name of Tulsi.1

The scientific name of Tulsi is Ocimum sanctum (also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum).

11. Write one use of Spirulina.1

Spirulina is used as a highly nutritious health food supplement due to its high protein and vitamin content.

12. Give scientific name of one herb which is used as health food.1

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) or Spirulina platensis.

UNIT-IV

13. What are phytochemicals?1

Phytochemicals are bioactive chemical compounds produced by plants, often used to describe those that may affect human health.

14. Give example of one alkaloid.1

Quinine (from Cinchona bark) or Morphine (from Opium poppy).

15. Write the full form of WHO.1

The full form of WHO is World Health Organization.

16. Define secondary metabolites.1

Secondary metabolites are organic compounds produced by plants that are not directly involved in normal growth or reproduction but play roles in defense and ecological interactions.

UNIT-V

17. What is patent?1

A patent is a government authority or license conferring a right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention.

18. What is biopiracy?1

Biopiracy refers to the practice of commercially exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or genetic material, especially by obtaining patents that restrict its future use, while failing to pay fair compensation to the community from which it originates.

19. Write the full form of DTAB.1

The full form of DTAB is Drugs Technical Advisory Board.

20. What is GMP?1

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice, which ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

SECTION-B (Short Notes)

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit (2 marks each).

UNIT-I: 22. What are the components in pancha-mahabhutas?

2

According to Ayurveda, the universe and the human body are composed of five basic elements known as Pancha-mahabhutas:

  1. Akash (Ether/Space)
  2. Vayu (Air)
  3. Agni (Fire)
  4. Jala (Water)
  5. Prithvi (Earth)

UNIT-II: 23. Give examples of two plants in curing skin disease.

2

  1. Neem (Azadirachta indica): Known for its potent antifungal and antibacterial properties.
  2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Used for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects on the skin.

UNIT-III: 25. Write the scientific name of Arjun and its medicinal uses.

2

Scientific Name: Terminalia arjuna.
Medicinal Uses: It is primarily used as a cardiotonic to strengthen heart muscles and treat various cardiovascular ailments. It is also used in treating fractures and skin disorders.

UNIT-IV: 27. What are flavonoids? Give one example.

2

Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Example: Quercetin found in onions and apples.

UNIT-V: 30. What is the full form of AYUSH?

2

The full form of AYUSH is Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. It represents the various traditional and non-conventional systems of healthcare in India.

SECTION-C (Descriptive)

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit (5 marks each).

UNIT-I: 31. Write the importance of Ayurveda system of medicine.

5

Ayurveda, the "Science of Life," is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. Its importance lies in:

  • Holistic Approach: It treats the individual as a whole (body, mind, and spirit) rather than just treating symptoms.
  • Emphasis on Prevention: Ayurveda focuses on maintaining health through proper diet, lifestyle, and seasonal regimens (Ritucharya).
  • Natural Remedies: It utilizes plant-based medicines, minerals, and animal products which generally have fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs.
  • Personalized Treatment: Treatments are tailored according to an individual's unique constitution (Prakriti) and the balance of three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).

UNIT-II: 33. Write a note on in situ and ex situ conservation of medicinal plants.

5

Conservation is vital for preserving medicinal plant biodiversity from extinction due to over-harvesting and habitat loss.

  • In situ Conservation: Protecting plants in their natural habitats.
    • Includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves.
    • Allows for natural evolution and ecological interactions to continue.
  • Ex situ Conservation: Protecting plants outside their natural habitats.
    • Includes Botanical Gardens, Seed Banks, Gene Banks, and Tissue Culture labs.
    • Provides a "back-up" for species that are critically endangered or whose natural habitats are destroyed.

UNIT-III: 35. Write the systematic position and uses of Ginger and Ashoka.

5

Herb Systematic Position Medicinal Uses
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Family: Zingiberaceae Used for treating indigestion, nausea, motion sickness, and common cold.
Ashoka (Saraca asoca) Family: Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae) Valued in treating gynecological disorders, especially uterine bleeding and menstrual pain.

UNIT-IV: 37. What do you mean by Drug Adulteration? Write about the different methods of drug evaluation.

5

Drug Adulteration is the debasement of an article by the substitution of genuine ingredients with inferior, impure, or harmful substances.

Methods of Drug Evaluation:

  1. Organoleptic Evaluation: Study by means of organs of sense (color, odor, taste, size, shape, texture).
  2. Microscopic Evaluation: Identification based on histological features like stomata, trichomes, and calcium oxalate crystals.
  3. Chemical Evaluation: Testing for active constituents using chemical reagents (e.g., alkaloids, glycosides).
  4. Physical Evaluation: Determining physical constants like moisture content, ash value, and extractive values.
  5. Biological Evaluation: Testing the potency of drugs on living animals or tissues.

UNIT-V: 39. What is IPR? Write the characteristic features of IPR.

5

IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) are the legal rights given to persons over the creations of their minds. They usually give the creator an exclusive right over the use of his/her creation for a certain period.

Characteristic Features:

  • Territoriality: Rights are generally limited to the country where they are granted.
  • Limited Duration: Rights are granted for a specific timeframe (e.g., 20 years for patents).
  • Exclusivity: The owner can exclude others from using the protected creation without permission.
  • Legal Protection: Violations can be prosecuted in a court of law.

Exam Focus Enhancements

Exam Tips

  • Focus on Scientific Names. Examiners look for correct italicized or underlined binomial names.
  • In Section C, always provide a clear definition before expanding into details.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing In situ with Ex situ. Remember: In situ = In site (Natural home).
  • Writing only "medicinal uses" without the "systematic position" (family name) in Unit III.

Frequently Asked Full Forms

  • AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy
  • CIMAP: Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
  • IPR: Intellectual Property Rights

Answer Presentation Strategy

Use bullet points for importance/uses and tables for comparisons to maximize marks in limited time. Ensure neatness in definitions and the usage of "cite" tags where required for Knowlet standards.