1046 UROLOGICAL PRACTICES IN THE ANCIENT AMERICAS

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyMale Voiding Dysfunction (BPH & Incontinence) & Infection1 Apr 20121046 UROLOGICAL PRACTICES IN THE ANCIENT AMERICAS Fahd Khan, and Seshadri Sriprasad Fahd KhanFahd Khan Dartford, United Kingdom More articles by this author , and Seshadri SriprasadSeshadri Sriprasad Dartford, United Kingdom More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.1151AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The Meso-American (Aztecs, Mayans, Olmecs, and Toltecs) and Pre-Columbian civilizations (Incas) were among those who were greatly impacted by the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Herbal application was an essential practice of Ancient American medicine in terms of Urology prior to the Spaniard arrival and it underwent drastic change as it was influenced by the classical view from the Spanish priests and holders of medical knowledge. METHODS A comprehensive research utilizing sources such as the Florentine and Matritense Codices, articles, journals, botanical databases, available at The Wellcome Library, The British Library, and the Royal Society of Medicine, London. RESULTS Spanish findings which are enlisted in a variety of articles and codices indicate an extensive use of herbal application to urology of the Ancient Americans in the early 16th century. For example, Cacao plants, were used to break down renal stones, along with Jade (“Piedra de Ijada” or Lapis Nephriticus), used by Mayans to expel renal calculi. Corn silk and other botanical products were useful in treatment of renal stones when they were boiled with tea. With fairly primitive, but effective urological knowledge of pyuria, renal colic, and renal stones, the Meso-Americans (specifically the Aztecs) developed a way (using a stick like baton which was advanced into the urethra) to meliorate symptoms of urethral strictures and bladder outlet obstruction. Diuresis was regulated by the Aztecs by drinking Aitztoli gravy, which would also help to remove any residue of renal calculi. The Pre-Columbian Incas used a widely known herb known as Chanca piedra (“Stone breaker”) for renal stones, prostatitis, and lower urinary tract infections. A conduction of studies in Brazil showed that ingestion of the herb helped to digest renal calculi. Another trial indicated that Chanca piedra was a competitive inhibitor to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals and the formation of matrix calculi. Furthermore, Antispasmodic activity has been recorded and as a result Chanca piedra is widely available in pharmacies throughout South America. CONCLUSIONS Herbal application to urology during this time period differed to the treatment that is hereditary of the Hippocratic medical viewpoint today. The use of herbs is relatively outdated nowadays, but it demonstrates that even in premature use of medicine, a unique way of counteracting diseases involving the urinary tract is present. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e424 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Fahd Khan Dartford, United Kingdom More articles by this author Seshadri Sriprasad Dartford, United Kingdom More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...