Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
3
Department of History of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4
Department of Traditional medicine, Institute for Studies in Medical History, Persian and Complementary Medicine, School of Persian medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5
Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
6
Traditional Medicine and History of Medical Sciences Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
Abstract
Objective: Traditional pharmacy has its roots in ancient civilizations and it has been a fundamental pillar of traditional medicine throughout human history. Iran, with its rich ancient heritage, has made significant contributions to the development and expansion of pharmaceutical knowledge. This study aims to elucidate Avicenna (980–1037 AD) understanding of pharmaceuticals based on his Canon of Medicine.
Materials and Methods: The research involved an extensive examination of the text, where relevant keywords were systematically searched to retrieve and document pertinent data. Results: Analysis of the Canon of Medicine, a seminal Persian medical text, reveals a sophisticated system of drug classification based on multiple criteria, including origin, composition, therapeutic effects, administration methods, temperament, dosage form, mode of action, application, nature, and grade. The naming of compound drugs follows specific principles, often referring to the drug category, constituent ingredients, targeted disease or body part, pharmacological action, Drug characteristics (temperament, color, or taste), origin, usage status, or synonyms. The text also provides detailed information on measurement units and tools used in drug preparation, offering valuable insights into the pharmaceutical practices of the medieval period.
Conclusion: This analysis highlights Avicenna’s profound understanding of pharmaceutical principles. His systematic approach to drug classification, nomenclature, measurement systems, and pharmaceutical tools contributes significantly to the historical evolution of pharmacy and drug therapy.
Graphical Abstract
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