Branch of pharmacology that deals with medicinal drugs that are obtained from plants and other natural resources are known as
**Core Concept**
Pharmacognosy is the branch of pharmacology that deals with the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms. This field focuses on the identification, extraction, and characterization of bioactive compounds from natural sources.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pharmacognosy involves the study of various natural products such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenes, and phenolics that have medicinal properties. The process of isolation, purification, and characterization of these compounds is crucial in the development of new drugs. Pharmacognostic studies have led to the discovery of numerous medicines, including morphine, vinblastine, and taxol.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is likely incorrect as it may refer to a different branch of pharmacology, such as pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics.
**Option B:** This option may be incorrect as it could refer to a specific type of medicinal plant or a specific natural product, rather than a branch of pharmacology.
**Option C:** This option is likely incorrect as it may refer to a different field of study, such as botany or ethnopharmacology.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pharmacognosy has played a significant role in the development of modern medicine, with many natural products serving as lead compounds for the synthesis of new drugs.
**Correct Answer: D. Pharmacognosy**