Pharmacognosy is considered a branch of pharmacology, it is the science that deals with the study of drugs and medicinal substances of natural, vegetable, microbial and animal origin. It is the pharmacological science that deals with the knowledge of the raw material of biological origin that the pharmacist or the pharmaceutical industry uses for the preparation of drugs under certain pharmaceutical forms.

It has evolved along with human thought, responding to vital survival needs. It is the embryonic science of pharmacological sciences, of the rudiments of medicine.

It requires knowledge of botany, biology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacology, galenic pharmacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical technology, toxicology, plant and animal physiology, biochemistry and organic chemistry, mainly; in some way, all disciplines contribute to the knowledge of the effect of natural or synthetic active ingredients on living organisms. The purpose of this pharmacognosy practice manual is to initiate the student in its study and application.

Its content is theoretical and written in such a way as to facilitate its comprehension. .