Pharmacognosy
/ˌfɑːrməˈkɒɡnəsi/noun
The study of medicines derived from natural sources, particularly plants.
Did you know?Pharmacognosy traces its roots back to ancient herbalists who believed plants held transformative powers, intertwining medicine with mysticism.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
φαρμακον (pharmakon)
“a drug or remedy; also associated with poison or magic.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γνῶσις (gnōsis)
“knowledge, particularly esoteric or hidden knowledge.”
16th Century
Latin
pharmacognosia
“knowledge of drugs, especially from natural sources.”
Modern English
English
pharmacognosy
“the branch of knowledge that deals with medicinal drugs obtained from plants or other natural sources.”
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