Here’s a detailed differentiation between Organized Crude Drugs and Unorganized Crude
Drugs in table form:
Criteria Organized Crude Drugs Unorganized Crude Drugs
Unorganized crude drugs are not
Organized crude drugs are derived
derived from specific parts but are
from the specific parts of plants,
obtained in fragmented or
Definition animals, or microorganisms that
disordered forms. They do not
have a distinct structural
have a clear structural
organization (cells, tissues).
organization.
These drugs are obtained from the These drugs are usually obtained
organized parts of plants and from non-living material (e.g.,
Origin
animals (e.g., roots, leaves, stems, exudates, secretions, or parts that
bark, flowers, fruits, seeds). are not tissue-bound).
Plant-based: Leaves (e.g., Senna), Resins (e.g., Colophony,
Root (e.g., Ginger), Stem (e.g., Turpentine), Gums (e.g., Gum
Examples Cinnamon), Bark (e.g., Arabic), Mucilage (e.g., Flax
Quassia).Animal-based: Honey, seeds), Minerals (e.g., Mica,
Beeswax, Silk. Sulfur), Exudates.
These do not have a well-defined
Have a definite cellular structure
cellular structure and exist in
Structure with specific tissues and cells (e.g.,
amorphous, semi-solid, or liquid
epidermis, xylem, phloem, etc.).
forms.
Drugs are typically prepared by These are usually prepared through
drying, crushing, grinding, or collection, extraction, or
Preparation
distillation (depending on the part distillation of exudates and
used). secretions.
Typically contain complex
Contains specific chemically
mixtures of substances, often
Chemical defined compounds present in
including resins, oils, or gums,
Composition plant tissues like alkaloids,
which may not be chemically
glycosides, and flavonoids.
uniform.
Alkaloids from leaves (e.g.,
Resins contain terpenes, gums
Example of Active Nicotine from tobacco leaves),
contain polysaccharides, oils
Compounds Glycosides from roots (e.g.,
contain fatty acids.
Senna).
Generally found in solid or dried Found in semi-solid, liquid, or
Physical State forms (e.g., dried leaves, powdered amorphous states (e.g., resins,
bark). gums, exudates).
The drugs are generally used for
The pharmacological action of
their medicinal properties based
Pharmacological unorganized drugs is based on the
on the active compound derived
Action mixture of substances present in
from a particular part of the plant
the exudate or secretion.
or animal.
Cinnamon bark used for its Turpentine (resin) used as a
Example of Use essential oils and glycosides, rubefacient, Gum Arabic used as a
Senna leaves used as a laxative. stabilizer in pharmaceuticals.
Criteria Organized Crude Drugs Unorganized Crude Drugs
May require specific drying, Mostly distilled, filtered, or
Processing crushing, grinding, and extracted from exudates, without
Method extraction to obtain medicinal needing to break down specific
properties. parts.
Stored in sealed containers to Stored in sealed bottles or jars to
avoid contamination and prevent evaporation or
Storage
degradation, as they are often contamination of liquid forms
tissue-based. (gums and resins).
Gum (e.g., Gum Arabic, Gum
Leaves (e.g., Peppermint, Senna),
Examples of Tragacanth), Resins (e.g.,
Flowers (e.g., Chamomile), Roots
Substances Frankincense, Myrrh), Essential
(e.g., Ginger, Ginseng), Seeds
Derived oils (e.g., Turpentine, Eucalyptus
(e.g., Fenugreek).
Oil).
Summary of Differences:
• Organized Crude Drugs are derived from specific parts of plants or animals with
distinct internal structure and cellular organization, such as leaves, roots, or bark.
• Unorganized Crude Drugs are obtained from exudates or secretions, such as resins,
gums, and oils, and do not have a defined cellular structure.
Both types of crude drugs are important in pharmacognosy and herbal medicine, with
organized drugs typically providing specific active compounds, while unorganized drugs
offer a mix of compounds used in various medicinal and industrial applications.
