What is adulteration of crude drug?

Adulteration of crude drugs refers to the process by which the purity and quality of a natural substance, such as herbs or plant extracts, are compromised by the addition of foreign substances or contaminants. This can occur intentionally, through the mixing of inferior or cheaper materials, or unintentionally, due to environmental factors or improper handling. Adulterated crude drugs can lead to ineffective treatment, toxicity, and pose serious health risks to consumers. Therefore, ensuring the authenticity and quality of crude drugs is essential in herbal medicine and pharmacognosy.