Abstract
The history and knowledge of Indian pharmacology can be traced back to more than thousands of years. Ayurveda, the foundation of the Indian medical system, dates back to sixth century BC. The Unani system of medicine entered in the medieval period between the eighth and eighteenth century. The modern era of medicine was marked by the British invasion from the sixteenth century. Eminent Indians who worked in the field of pharmacology during this era include Sir Upendranath Brahmachari, Ram Nath Chopra (the Father of Indian Pharmacology), Prof. M. L. Shroff (the Father of Pharmacy in India), Yellapragada SubbaRow, Prafulla Chandra Ray, U. K. Sheth, Asima Chatterjee, Har Gobind Khorana and Ranjit Roy Chaudhury. Indian scientists like Sastry and Pandey have also contributed to the research in receptor pharmacology significantly at various institutes around the world. The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) has developed many drugs like α,β-arteether, centchroman, dalzbone, consap, gugulipid, bacosides and others. Since 1990, a large number of pharmaceutical companies have emerged in India and have set up their research and development centres, but still there exists a lacuna in the field of drug discovery and development.
Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.
Hippocrates
Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.
Hippocrates
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Murugesan, S., Adhimoolam, M. (2019). Indian Contributions to Pharmacology. In: Raj, G., Raveendran, R. (eds) Introduction to Basics of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9779-1_2
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