Pharmacognosy is a scientific field that deals with the identification, preparation, trade, preservation, storage, chemical composition, and usage of drugs derived from biological sources. These biological sources can be plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine organisms.

Our Department of Pharmacognosy was established in 1969 and has been actively involved in education with graduate programs since 1972. Research is conducted on the isolation and purification of secondary metabolites from medicinal plants traditionally used by the public, their derivatization, and structural elucidation. Additionally, in silico and in vitro biological activity studies are carried out on extracts and pure compounds. In our laboratories, various in vitro experiments are conducted, including enzyme assays, cytotoxic activity determination on different cell lines, BDNF expression, neuroinflammation, neuroprotective effects, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity tests.

Our academic staff actively participate in various commissions within public institutions such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK), as well as in professional organizations like the Turkish Pharmacists' Association.

The Şehremini Central Pharmacy, which dates back to the late Ottoman period, is located within our Department of Pharmacognosy.