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Decontextualised Chinese medicines
Published in Vivienne Lo, Michael Stanley-Baker, Dolly Yang, Routledge Handbook of Chinese Medicine, 2022
Michael Heinrich, Ka Yui Kum, Ruyu Yao
Ginseng (Renshen 人參, Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.) has been used medicinally in China since at least the second century CE, to strengthen the body and increase vitality and virility. In China it is commonly used in a combination decoction. In Shanghan lun 傷寒論 (Treatise on Cold Damage) by Zhang Zhongjing 張仲景 (150–219 CE), twenty-one multi-herbal decoctions contain ginseng. Another important medical source for ginseng is the sixteenth-century Systematic Materia Medica (Bencao gangmu 本草綱目 1596) by Li Shizhen 李時珍, which emphasised that ginseng was used to treat all kinds of symptoms caused by ‘deficiency’ (Park et al. 2012). The unique quasi human shape of the root, like the powerful medicine, poison and hallucinogen, mandrake (Mandragora officinarum L.), has always been an important aspect that has stimulated its dissemination and cultural role. The first European mention of ginseng was by Marco Polo in the 1200s, while the earliest evidence of its introduction to Europe is in a document of the East India Company in the late eighteenth century, which suggests it came via Korea and Japan (Loskiel 1794).
Hallucinogens, CNS Stimulants, And Cannabis
Published in S.J. Mulé, Henry Brill, Chemical and Biological Aspects of Drug Dependence, 2019
A second family of drugs that stems from the tropane carbon skeleton is based on the structure of scopolamine (Figure 17, R1, R2 is an epoxide ring). It and the related base atropine (Figure 17, R1 = R2 = H) are the principal alkaloids in a variety of intoxicating plants. A number of species of the Datura genus have been employed as intoxicants and for religious purposes both in North39 and South40 America. Henbane (Hyosyamus niger) and Nightshade {Atropa belladonna) are native to the eastern Mediterranean regions and Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) probably had its origins in western Asia; these have been known and used since prehistoric times. Even on the Australian continent, intoxicating members of the Solanaceae family are found. Pituri (Duboisia hopwoodii) also contains the belladonna alkaloids and its leaves are chewed or smoked for their hallucinogen potential.41 A recent report describes the presence of a tropane alkaloid identical to atropine, but with a 3, 4, 5-trimethoxycinnamyl acid moiety, rather than tropic acid.42 The plant, which is native to Australia, is interestingly of the genus that provides cocaine (Erythroxylon).
The advent of anaesthesia and antisepsis
Published in Harold Ellis, Sala Abdalla, A History of Surgery, 2018
From earliest times, attempts have been made to dull the pain of injuries and of surgery. Large doses of alcohol, opium or laudanum (tincture of opium and alcohol) taken by mouth, or mandragora (obtained from the mandrake plant, Mandragora officinarum, which contains hyoscine and other alkaloid drugs), were used. Much effort was expended on the psychological preparation of the patient before surgery, and some good effects could be obtained by hypnotism, since its introduction as ‘mesmerism’ by Anton Mesmer (1734–1815).
Contributions of Avicenna to surgery and anesthesiology
Published in Acta Chirurgica Belgica, 2020
He stated, “Papaver somniferum var. album juice is produced by the scarification of poppy capsules, or the whole plant, with its capsule and leaves. The sort that ought to be utilized is resinous with a pungent scent, delicate and effectively disintegrates in water without souring. It relieves pain and induces sleep and hypnosis. The oral dose ought not to surpass two grains [0.125 g]. An overdose can cause speech debilitation, hypotonia of appendages and cyanosis of extremities and nails. That is the reason its utilization is saved for the experienced physician …. Mandragora officinarum is a soothing and hypnotic plant. The bark concentrate is soporific when used in beverage or inward breath. Used as a drink before cauterization, circumcision or incision, it inhibits pain and promotes sleep, and the patient won’t feel whatsoever during three to four hours. The overdose side effects are uterine pressure, madness, swelling of the eyes and edema. … The decoction of Hyoscyamus niger seeds and stem in vinegar is sleep inducing. Ingesting the leaves causes bewilderment and franticness. The enema produces similar impacts. Leaves concentrate is visual pain relieving. An overdose causes hallucination, ineptitude, trouble in breathing and franticness …. The anesthetic preparation of Cannabis indica is laborious. Boil the flower of the fresh plant with butter and water till it gives a glue with a yellowish-green color and a disgusting scent. To make this glue worthy for use, we include sugar, pistachios, and herbs, for example, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Vanilla planifolia or musk [16,17].”