Byzantine pharmacy discovered

[guy]

This was an interesting find from a few years back. These ancient Byzantine vials dated from before at least 640 AD. Presumably, they were used for pharmaceutical purposes.

Quote

“Archaeologists have discovered many finds among the ruins of the ancient city, including seven hundred small glass and ceramic bottles containing medicines that are believed to have been used to treat depression and heart disease.

According to archaeological data from Hürriyet Daily News, archaeologists found much more than just the seven hundred bottles, some of which contained antidepressants, at the ancient Greek site, such as an entire laboratory, complete with mortars, pestles and big cookers alongside many spatulas and other medical tools.“

 

 

 

https://greekreporter.com/2021/09/05/anti-depressant-medicine-dating-back-1300-years-discovered-in-ancient-greek-city/

https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2016/10/19/ancient-medication-bottles-found-turkey/

Summary: Although a wonderful find, I think some of the conclusions are incorrect:

Quote

“The medicine found in the bottles was made from local plants which were also uncovered in the excavation. 

The two medicines found were methadone, which is an antidepressant and phenanthrene, which is used for heart disease.”

 

It was ridiculous to claim that the methadone compound found was for depression and the phenanthrene was for heart disease.

Methadone is an analgesic used for pain relief. It also helps with opioid withdraw. (It may help with the depression associated with opioid addiction, however). 

Phenanthrene is used to make dyes, pesticides, and plastics. It is probably toxic to the heart (and other organs).

Neither are useful for the indications cited in the articles.

Nevertheless, this was an exciting discovery that requires further assessment.

Edited February 2 by guy

[Crispina]

Very interesting.