Severus Iatrosophista, Theodosius the Philosopher and Jacobus Psychrestos, introducing Colchicum as an innovative treatment for podagra in the early Byzantine period.

Abstract

During the early Byzantine period, the therapeutic herb “Colchicum autumnale”, or “ermodaktylon” was introduced in the treatment of podagra (gout). Podagra presented throughout the Byzantine period a disease with high incidence, since 14 out of the total 86 Emperors seem to have suffered from it. The lead pipes of the city of Constantinople’s sewer system, utensils, but also the production of the sweetening grape syrup sapa contributed to its appearance. Although Alexander of Tralles considered to be the physician who discovered the properties of the plant, Severus Iatrosophista, Theodosius the Philosopher and Jacobus Psychrestos, were the healers who introduced ermodaktylon as the pioneering treatment of podagra in the early Byzantine period.