Pharmacognosy is probably the oldest of the modern sciences that involves the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of natural drugs, including the search for new drugs from natural sources.

 Pharmacognosy is a discipline related with separation of active constituents from plants, animals and minerals. It needs a complete understanding of botany, chemistry, quality control and pharmacology of medicines from natural sources. Development of herbal drugs is done by amalgamating the traditional knowledge with modern technologies. The department of Pharmacognosy is engaged in imparting knowledge in the various fields of natural medicinal products through theoretical and practical knowledge. The department is well equipped with an undergraduate research laboratory, a crude drug museum of several plant materials; and modern equipments essential for extraction and isolations of natural components.

Microscopy (microscopic examination) is an important technique used in pharmacognosy for the study and identification of crude drugs. Microscopy provides methods for assessing the authenticity and quality of herbal drugs.

Dhanvantri garden is located in the GM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research campus.About 60 medicinal plant species are well maintained in Dhanvantri garden.