1: Which ancient civilization first recorded the use of hundreds of medicinal plants, including opium, on clay tablets around 3000 BC?
A: Roman
B: Sumerian
C: Egyptian
D: Greek
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Sumerian civilization has the earliest historical records of medicinal plants on clay tablets.
2: What is the active metabolite found in the bark of willow trees that has been used for millennia to relieve pain and reduce fever?
A: Quinine
B: Digoxin
C: Salicylic acid
D: Morphine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Salicylic acid, found in willow tree bark, is the active metabolite responsible for the pain-relieving properties similar to aspirin.
3: The Ebers Papyrus from ancient Egypt describes how many plant medicines?
A: Over 500
B: Over 600
C: Over 850
D: Over 1000
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Ebers Papyrus lists over 850 different plant medicines.
4: Which Greek physician documented over 1000 recipes for medicines using over 600 medicinal plants in his book De Materia Medica around 60 AD?
A: Hippocrates
B: Theophrastus
C: Galen
D: Dioscorides
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Dioscorides wrote De Materia Medica, documenting extensive medicinal plant use.
5: What percentage of the world’s population depends mainly on traditional medicine, according to the World Health Organization?
A: 20%
B: 40%
C: 60%
D: 80%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The WHO estimates that around 80% of the world’s population depends mainly on traditional medicine.
6: What are the four primary biochemical classes of compounds found in medicinal plants?
A: Polyphenols, anthocyanins, alkaloids, steroids
B: Alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, terpenes
C: Phenolics, terpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids
D: Amino acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The four primary classes are alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, and terpenes.
7: What is the estimated annual global export value of medicinal plants?
A: $10 billion
B: $30 billion
C: $45 billion
D: $60 billion
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The annual global export value is estimated to be around $60 billion per year.
8: Which European tradition is known for using “curandeiros” or “meigas” who rely on local plants for healing purposes?
A: Galician
B: Nordic
C: Celtic
D: Roman
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Galician tradition includes curandeiros or meigas known for their herbal remedies.
9: In which region did the monks and nuns cultivate medicinal gardens and preserve knowledge through manuscripts such as the “Tractatus de Herbis”?
A: France
B: Spain
C: Italy
D: Germany
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In medieval France, monasteries played a significant role in preserving herbal knowledge, exemplified by the “Tractatus de Herbis.”
10: What medicinal compound is derived from the Madagascar periwinkle and used as an anti-cancer drug?
A: Quinine
B: Digoxin
C: Vincristine
D: Codeine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vincristine, derived from the Madagascar periwinkle, is used in cancer treatment.
11: What plant provides the alkaloid morphine, frequently used in medical practice?
A: Coffee
B: Ephedra
C: Tobacco
D: Opium poppy
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The opium poppy is the source of the alkaloid morphine.
12: What is a potential danger associated with plant medicines due to their complex chemical composition?
A: They are always non-toxic.
B: They can interact with conventional drugs.
C: They are safe during pregnancy.
D: They do not have side effects.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Plant medicines can interact with conventional drugs and have complex effects on the human body.
13: What is the primary use of the alkaloid atropine found in the Deadly Nightshade?
A: Antibiotic
B: Analgesic
C: Antiseptic
D: Antispasmodic
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Atropine, found in Deadly Nightshade, is used as an antispasmodic and in various medical applications.
14: Which compound found in turmeric is known for its medicinal properties?
A: Menthol
B: Curcumin
C: Thymol
D: Caffeine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Curcumin is the bioactive compound found in turmeric.
15: Which plant contains the cardiac glycoside digoxin, traditionally used for heart conditions?
A: Foxglove
B: Senna
C: Aloe
D: Rhubarb
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Foxglove contains digoxin, used in the treatment of several heart conditions.
16: What method involves soaking plant material in wine or distilled spirit to form a tincture?
A: Decoction
B: Powdering
C: Fermentation
D: Alcohol extraction
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Soaking plant material in alcohol to form a tincture is known as alcohol extraction.
17: Which essential oil component from thyme is known for its antiseptic properties?
A: Eugenol
B: Menthol
C: Thymol
D: Limonene
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Thymol, found in thyme, has strong antiseptic and antifungal properties.
18: What plant has been used to make senna-based laxatives for millennia?
A: Rhubarb
B: Alexandrian senna
C: Aloe Vera
D: Cascara
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alexandrian senna has been used for centuries as a natural laxative.
19: Which drug, developed for its anti-cancer properties, is derived from the Pacific yew?
A: Vincristine
B: Taxol
C: Camptothecin
D: Morphine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Taxol, an anti-cancer drug, is derived from the Pacific yew.
20: What class of compounds includes caffeine, nicotine, and morphine, all derived from plants?
A: Glycosides
B: Alkaloids
C: Terpenes
D: Polyphenols
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alkaloids are a class that includes caffeine, nicotine, and morphine, known for their biological activity.
21: Which polyphenolic compound found in the astringent rind of pomegranate is used in Ayurveda, albeit without scientific proof of efficacy?
A: Resveratrol
B: Punicalagin
C: Genistein
D: Epigallocatechin gallate
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Punicalagin is the polyphenolic compound found in the astringent rind of pomegranate used in Ayurveda.
22: What organization coordinates a network to encourage the safe and rational use of traditional medicine globally?
A: World Bank
B: World Health Organization
C: United Nations
D: International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The World Health Organization coordinates a network to encourage the safe and rational use of traditional medicine.
23: What historical botanical market has been criticized for containing placebo and pseudoscience products with no scientific research to support their claims?
A: Chinese Herbal Market
B: Indian Ayurvedic Market
C: Botanical Herbal Market
D: African Traditional Medicine Market
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The botanical herbal market has been criticized for containing pseudoscience products with no scientific research support.
24: What plant-based drug, synthesized first in 1853, is a commonly known anti-inflammatory medication?
A: Quinine
B: Aspirin
C: Digitalis
D: Morphine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Salicylic acid, the precursor to aspirin, was first synthesized in 1853.
25: Where were medicinal plants like galantamine, used for Alzheimer’s disease, originally derived from?
A: Nettles
B: Daffodils
C: Chamomile
D: Rosemary
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Galantamine is derived from daffodils and used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
26: What practice involves the crushing and boiling of medicinal plants to produce a liquid extract?
A: Distillation
B: Decoction
C: Fermentation
D: Steeping
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Decoction involves the crushing and boiling of medicinal plants to produce a liquid extract.
27: What type of acid found in medicinal plants acts as a hormone in plant defenses and has pharmacological potential?
A: Salicylic acid
B: Citric acid
C: Ascorbic acid
D: Formic acid
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Salicylic acid acts as a hormone in plant defenses and has pharmacological potential.
28: Which form of chemical compounds is found in plants and is known for their bitter taste and toxic qualities?
A: Glycosides
B: Terpenes
C: Alkaloids
D: Polyphenols
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alkaloids are bitter-tasting chemicals found in plants and are often toxic.
29: What chemical class do the compounds digoxin and digitoxin belong to?
A: Alkaloids
B: Glycosides
C: Polyphenols
D: Terpenes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Digoxin and digitoxin are cardiac glycosides.
30: The pharmaceutical industry saw a significant shift in plant extract use with the development of which industry practice?
A: Distillation
B: Fermentation
C: Chemical synthesis
D: Cold pressing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Chemical synthesis became a preferred method in pharmaceutical development, reducing reliance on whole plant extracts.
31: Which Mediterranean herb is popularly used for its antiseptic and antifungal properties due to its thymol content?
A: Rosemary
B: Lavender
C: Thyme
D: Basil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Thyme contains thymol, known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties.
32: What is a key reason why medicinal plants are often utilized in non-industrialized societies?
A: They are safer than modern medicine.
B: They are readily available and cheaper.
C: They are more effective than modern medicine.
D: They have fewer side effects.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Medicinal plants are often readily available and cheaper, making them more accessible in non-industrialized societies.
33: What pharmacological compound is derived from the cinchona tree and historically used to treat malaria?
A: Ephedrine
B: Quinine
C: Caffeine
D: Nicotine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Quinine, derived from the cinchona tree, has historically been used to treat malaria.
34: How many medicinal plants did Dioscorides document in his work De Materia Medica?
A: Over 500
B: Over 600
C: Over 700
D: Over 1000
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Dioscorides documented over 600 medicinal plants in his work De Materia Medica.
35: Which type of glycoside is found in rhubarb and senna, used primarily as a laxative?
A: Flavonoid glycosides
B: Cardiac glycosides
C: Anthraquinone glycosides
D: Saponin glycosides
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Anthraquinone glycosides are found in rhubarb and senna, commonly used as laxatives.
36: Which government department in India is responsible for regulating Ayurveda and other traditional medical practices?
A: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
B: Ministry of Home Affairs
C: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
D: Ministry of Agriculture
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare oversees the regulation of Ayurveda through the department AYUSH.
37: Which traditional medicine system uses the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, one of the earliest pharmacopoeias?
A: Ayurvedic medicine
B: Traditional Chinese Medicine
C: Unani Medicine
D: Native American Medicine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Shennong Ben Cao Jing is an early pharmacopoeia used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
38: What plant compound is commonly used in the cosmetic industry for its astringent properties, especially in products derived from grape seeds?
A: Terpenes
B: Glycosides
C: Polyphenols
D: Alkaloids
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Polyphenols, such as those from grape seeds, are used for their astringent properties in cosmetics.
39: Which plant contains the alkaloids atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, and is known as Deadly Nightshade?
A: Digitalis
B: Ephedra
C: Atropa belladonna
D: Papaver somniferum
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Atropa belladonna, or Deadly Nightshade, contains these potent alkaloids.
40: In what century was The Grete Herball, one of the first illustrated books of medicinal plants, published?
A: 14th century
B: 15th century
C: 16th century
D: 17th century
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Grete Herball was published in the 16th century.
41: What agency in the United States approves botanical drug candidates for medicinal use?
A: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
B: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
C: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
D: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves botanical drug candidates in the United States.
42: Which Mediterranean herb’s essential oil contains thymol, known for antiseptic applications?
A: Basil
B: Thyme
C: Oregano
D: Rosemary
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Thyme contains thymol, which has antiseptic properties.
43: How long has the book De Material Medica influenced the field of herbalism?
A: 500 years
B: 1000 years
C: 1500 years
D: 2000 years
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The book De Materia Medica by Dioscorides has influenced herbalism for roughly 1500 years.
44: What compound found in plants binds directly to the body’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors?
A: Caffeine
B: Resveratrol
C: Nicotine
D: Digoxin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Nicotine binds directly to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
45: What compound in turmeric is believed to hold the most promise for medicinal use?
A: Menthol
B: Curcumin
C: Thymol
D: Eugenol
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Curcumin is the compound in turmeric believed to have significant medicinal properties.
46: What percentage of the world’s population uses plant material as part of traditional medicine?
A: 50%
B: 60%
C: 70%
D: 80%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Approximately 80% of the world’s population uses traditional medicine, including plant materials.
47: What is the ancient practice of preparing plant materials by boiling them, then wrapping and applying the plant externally to affected areas known as?
A: Decoction
B: Distillation
C: Tincture making
D: Poultice preparation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Poultices involve boiling plants, wrapping them, and applying the mixture externally.
48: Which compound found in nightshade plants is used to treat various heart conditions?
A: Morphine
B: Atropine
C: Quinine
D: Digoxin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Atropine, found in nightshade plants, is used for heart conditions among other applications.
49: What is one of the main reasons for the lack of scientific evidence supporting the medicinal use of many plants?
A: Complexity of plant compounds
B: Inadequate traditional knowledge
C: Limited biological activity
D: High cost of research
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The complexity of plant compounds makes it challenging to provide scientific evidence for their medicinal use.
50: Which plant compound often modifies the active ingredients when the whole plant is dried, thus complicating its medicinal use?
A: Terpenes
B: Alkaloids
C: Glycosides
D: Polyphenols
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Enzymes in medicinal plants can modify glycosides when the plant is dried.
51: Which medicinal plant’s extract is required to create the anti-malaria drug, quinine?
A: Senna
B: Foxglove
C: Willow
D: Cinchona
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The quinine used for malaria treatment is derived from the cinchona tree.
52: What ancient text served for centuries as the basis of herbal medicine, written by Dioscorides?
A: The Canon of Medicine
B: De Materia Medica
C: Historia Plantarum
D: Ebers Papyrus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica was a foundational text for herbal medicine.
53: Which alkaloid found in tobacco plants directly affects the body’s receptors, accounting for its stimulant effects?
A: Caffeine
B: Nicotine
C: Ephedrine
D: Morphine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Nicotine affects nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which contribute to its stimulant effect.
54: What plant’s flower, containing phytoestrogens, has been traditionally used for gynecological disorders?
A: Pueraria mirifica
B: Gaultheria procumbens
C: Althaea officinalis
D: Mentha piperita
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Pueraria mirifica contains phytoestrogens historically used for gynecological disorders.
55: What effect can the interaction between plant extracts and conventional drugs have due to the body’s metabolism interference?
A: Reduced effectiveness of both
B: Increased risk of side effects
C: Complete neutralization of drugs
D: Amplification leading to overdose
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Plant extracts can affect the body’s metabolism, increasing the risk of drug side effects.
56: Which medicinal plants are known for their ability to help repel herbivores due to their strong aromatic terpene content?
A: Cactus
B: Conifers
C: Succulents
D: Grasses
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Conifers produce terpenes which repel herbivores.
57: What was the compound ephedrine originally derived from?
A: Coffee
B: Ephedra
C: Willow Bark
D: Aloe Vera
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ephedrine is derived from the plant Ephedra.
58: Which plant-based medication has drastically reduced cancer mortality rates, derived from the Madgascar periwinkle?
A: Vincristine
B: Taxol
C: Camptothecin
D: Quinine
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Vincristine, derived from Madagascar periwinkle, has been an effective anti-cancer drug.
59: What is the primary reason for using dietary supplements in developed countries?
A: Higher efficacy than prescribed medication
B: Accessibility to medically underserved areas
C: The claim of traditional medicinal benefits
D: Skepticism of pharmaceutical companies
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Claims of traditional medicinal benefits drive the use of dietary supplements in developed countries.
60: What regulation initiative does the World Health Organization support to ensure the quality and safety of medicinal plant products?
A: International Herbal Safety Alliance
B: Global Traditional Medicine Regulation Group
C: International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines
D: Global Medicinal Plant Standards Association
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: WHO coordinates the International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines to ensure product quality and safety.