Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Morphological classification groups drugs by the plant part or form, such as leaves, roots, bark, seeds, or exudates. It also distinguishes organized drugs, which retain cellular structure, from unorganized materials such as gums and latex. Taxonomic classification arranges drugs by botanical family, genus, and species, supporting precise identity checks. Chemical classification groups drugs by predominant constituents, including alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and volatile oils; it can inform extraction and quality considerations, though a drug with several constituents may span groups. Pharmacological classification groups drugs by primary therapeutic action, making it relevant to clinical use and formulary organization. Because each system has limits, more than one may be useful when studying a crude drug.