Ebers Papyrus Research Articles

From Quackery to Super-Specialization: A Brief History of Aesthetic Surgery

AbstractFrom time immemorial, human beings have always tried to decorate themselves to look more beautiful and attractive to an onlooker, in turn improving their own self-esteem. Thus, Ayurveda in India and Ebers Papyrus in Egypt, written thousands of years ago, mention a variety of cosmetics being used for the same. However, operative interventions were mainly reconstructive and any improved aesthetics was a by-product only (e.g., restoration of amputated nose). The surgery for purely cosmetic reasons started less than 150 years ago after the availability of anesthesia and antisepsis. Initially, the medical profession and the common man were skeptical of these interventions and even ridiculed the patient and the clinician. The pioneers were labeled as quacks and working against the law, and some of them had to even commit suicide, while the patients were labeled as “psychiatric.” The past 50 years have seen aesthetic procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, being performed by highly qualified superspecialists. This article attempts to trace this change.

Die-hard soccer fandom: A new cardiovascular risk factor

The relationship between the mind and the heart has been the subject of admiration for millennia. As early as 1500 BC, in the famous Ebers Papyrus, functions such as intelligence, thought, and moral conscience were attributed to the heart. While modern science later reassigned these functions to the brain, recent studies have partially vindicated the ancient Egyptians by discovering neural networks in the heart capable of learning, feeling, and perceiving autonomously, establishing a heartbrain dialog that remains largely unexplored. From the perspective of sports cardiology, recent publications have highlighted the potential cardiovascular risks associated with emotionally charged matches during events like the World Cup, particularly for fans of teams experiencing defeat. This paper presents a personal opinion based on years of research on this subject.

Navigating the Landscape of Cancer From Ancient Times to Modern Challenges: A Narrative Review.

Cancer, a pervasive and multifaceted disease, has afflicted humanity since ancient times, as evidenced by early references in the Edwin Smith Papyrus and the Ebers Papyrus. Over centuries, our understanding and treatment of cancer have evolved significantly, transitioning from rudimentary remedies to advanced modalities like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and precision medicine. Despite these advancements, cancer remains a major global health challenge. As of 2022, nearly 20 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths were reported worldwide. In India, the situation is particularly dire, with over 1.41 million new cases and more than 916,827 deaths in 2022, exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities, cultural stigmas, and healthcare barriers. This review traces the historical evolution of cancer treatment from ancient civilizations to modern times, highlighting key medical milestones and breakthroughs. It examines the global and Indian cancer burden, emphasizing the critical barriers to early diagnosis and effective treatment. These barriers include health system deficiencies, socioeconomic challenges, delayed diagnosis, low health literacy, and inadequate screening programs. The review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Journal Storage (JSTOR), and various other sources focusing on historical texts, epidemiological studies, and current medical research. The search aimed to gather a broad spectrum of perspectives and evidence to provide a well-rounded understanding of cancer's historical journey and current landscape.

Vitiligo in the 19<sup>th</sup>-century dermatological works of Vincenzo Chiarugi, Robert Willan, Jean-Louis Alibert, and Ferdinand von Hebra

Vitiligo is an iconic dermatological pathology as its clinical manifestations indelibly mark the patient through the appearance of white spots all over the body. The oldest written testimonies referring to vitiligo are: the first texts of Ayurveda, the Ebers Papyrus and the Leviticus of the Old Testament. During the Roman Empire, the doctors Aulus Cornelius Celsus and Galen, respectively in the I and II centuries AD, were the first to describe this skin disease and their statements were used by all subsequent authors. Hieronymus Mercurialis in the XVI century, Joseph Jakob Ritter Plenck in the XVIII century and Vincenzo Chiarugi again in the XIX century based their writings on the references of the two Roman doctors. After centuries of scientific inaction in the XIX century, there was an exponential increase in dermatological studies and the medical-scientific works produced in this period laid the foundations of modern dermatology. The nineteenth-century texts of Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman, Jean-Louis Alibert, Ferdinand von Hebra, and Moriz Kaposi proved fundamental for the study of skin pathologies, including vitiligo. The nineteenth-century medical-scientific vision and approach to vitiligo is shown in this work through the presentation of direct quotes extrapolated from the most important works of the authors mentioned above, this served to historically contextualize the gradual progress of medical study regarding this skin pathology.

“Diabetes Mellitus”, the Then and Now

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study provides comprehensive historical analysis of diabetes mellitus, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the modern era, which provides a unique chronological perspective on the disease's development. It distinguishes itself by detailing key events, such as insights from the Ebers Papyrus and the discovery of insulin, and their impact on our understanding and treatment of diabetes. Additionally, the manuscript offers a thorough exploration of how scientific endeavors over centuries have shaped the current medical landscape for diabetes mellitus, emphasizing the persistent challenge it poses despite significant medical advancements. Full Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a type of metabolic illness characterized by protein, lipid, and glucose metabolism difficulties. It is distinguished by chronic hyperglycemia, which defects in either insulin action or secretion can cause. Diabetes mellitus has been recognized since ancient times, and despite medical advances, it remains an incurable chronic illness. Our historical article presents major events in the evolution of diabetes mellitus from ancient times to the present day. Articles, as well as book chapters were used in citing. The key events in the development of diabetes mellitus from ancient times to the present were explored. An understanding of the key moments leading up to the identification of diabetes mellitus was provided in this study. Events from the Ebers Papyrus, the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and the discovery of diabetes are covered in this article. It can be deduced that scientists tried to discover the presence and existence of these illnesses. The discovery of insulin has played a significant role in the history of diabetes mellitus.

Egyptian Dynasties to Biologics: A Historical Review of Nasal Polyposis.

The history of nasal polyposis originates even before Hippocrates described a nasal mass that he likened to a sea polyp. References to sinonasal disease and treatment can be found in ancient texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus and the Edwin Smith Papyrus of Ancient Egypt, as well as in the foundational texts of Ayurvedic medicine. Greek philosophers marked a significant shift away from the belief that illness was a result of divine intervention and embraced medical theory. Over the subsequent millennia, the understanding of nasal polyposis expanded, resulting in notable progress in surgical procedures and medical treatments. However, the complex pathophysiology of this condition remained enigmatic until breakthroughs in basic science and immunology. This historical journey takes us from the tomb of the first rhinologist in 2500 BC to the development of immune-modulating biologics.

Overview of the Evolution of Hypertension: From Ancient Chinese Emperors to Today.

Hypertension is one of the most commonly treated conditions in modern medical practice, but despite its long history, it was largely ignored until the midpoint of the 20th century. This article will review the origins of elevated blood pressure from when it was first appreciated in 2600 BC to its most recent emerging treatments. Awareness of sustained elevations in blood pressure goes back to the Chinese Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (2600 BC); even then, salt was appreciated as a contributor to elevated pressure. Early treatments included acupuncture, venesection, and bleeding by leeches. About 1000 years later, the association between the palpated pulse and the development of heart and brain diseases was described by Ebers Papyrus (1550 BC). But really, it has only been since well after World War II that hypertension has finally been appreciated as the cause of so much heart, stroke, and kidney disease. We review the development of effective treatments for hypertension while acknowledging that so many people with hypertension in need of treatment have unacceptably poor blood pressure control. We explore why, despite our considerable and growing knowledge of hypertension, it remains a significant public health problem globally.

Lost in translation: the history of the Ebers Papyrus and Dr. Carl H. von Klein.

While the Ebers Papyrus is understood to be one of the oldest and most complete contemporaneous perspectives on Ancient Egyptian healing practices, nothing has yet been said about the biography of its first English-language translator, Dr. Carl H. von Klein. A German immigrant and surgeon in the American Midwest, von Klein spent twenty-some years meticulously translating and annotating the Papyrus, but ultimately his manuscript was destroyed. In this paper, we examine the societal- and personal-scale forces that thwarted his efforts to transform our understanding of the history of medicine.

What Does Garlic Smell Like?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an old cultivated plant that has been used by man for millennia for its extraordinary taste and great healing power [1]. The earliest records of the use of garlic come from Egypt. The ancient Egyptians were well aware of its healing properties and ate garlic in large quantities. A Papyrus from 1600 BC depicts a strike by workers working on the construction of the pyramid, protesting that they were not given garlic. The well-known Ebers papyrus, a collection of medical prescriptions 3500 years old, mentions the use of garlic in many diagnoses such as heart weakness, headache, intestinal parasites, eczema, gynecological problems, etc. [2]. The ancient Greeks and Romans also highly valued garlic as a medicinal vegetable. They were convinced that garlic cures coughs and clears the lungs of phlegm and pus. Doctors in China and India consider garlic to be a versatile medicine, treating everything with it: from colds to "aging" [3]. Garlic was first subjected to scientific investigation by Louis Pasteur in the mid-19th century when he studied its bactericidal effects [4]. Since then, garlic has been the subject of constant interest for many researchers.

H21 Acne treatments through the ages

Abstract The search for an effective treatment for acne dates back to 1550 Bc with the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical documents in the world, mentioning the application of raw honey and sulfur to affected areas. King Tutankhamun is widely believed to have suffered from acne as his tomb was filled with popular acne treatments of the time such as sulfur, sour milk, Aloe vera, myrrh and salt to rid him of his affliction in the afterlife. Much like the Egyptians, ancient Greek texts mention honey and sulfur for the treatment of acne. A Greek physician named Theodosius suggested that patients wipe their spots with a towel while watching a star falling from the sky as he suggested this would result in their spots falling from their faces. The Romans, in addition to the aforementioned honey and sulfur, trialled crocodile meat, cypress oil, sour cheese, leek leaves and cinnamon in their attempts to find a successful treatment. Thomas Bateman wrote in A Practical Synopsis of Cutaneous Disease that a patient reported that bruised parsley cleared her acne. He was also an advocate of remedies used by ancient civilizations. At the turn of the 20th century, American physician W.A. Pusay wrote about the use of ionizing radiation in the treatment of acne. Radiation was widely used in the treatment of acne until the 1960s, when concerns regarding associated secondary carcinogenesis led to the treatment falling out of favour. In the first half of the 20th century, phototherapy was a popular treatment for acne, and quartz mercury vapour lamps, in particular, were used. The most significant advancement in the treatment of acne was the discovery of the utility of synthetic vitamin A. In the 1960s, pharmaceutical company Roche trialled the compound 13-cis-retinoic acid as a treatment for skin cancer. This was ineffective, but it was demonstrated that it was efficacious in the treatment of acne. A study published in 1979 in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that 13 of 14 patients with acne conglobate experienced clearance of their acne. In 1982, the US Food and Drug Administration granted approval for 13-cis-retinoic acid, or isotretinoin, as a treatment for acne. It was introduced in Europe in 1983. Isotretinoin has been a life-changing advance in the treatment of this disease, but its teratogenic effects mean it must be prescribed with education and care.

H07 Papyri and sarcophagi: a tour of dermatology in Ancient Egypt

Abstract Long before medicine was demystified by the Renaissance, Enlightenment and modern thinkers with whom we are most familiar, the skin and its diseases were pondered on by the Ancient Egyptians. Through their writings and remains, modern scholars are able to assemble a picture of what dermatological conditions ailed the Egyptians and how they were contemporaneously perceived. The Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 Bc), the largest record of Ancient Egyptian medicine, is noted for its vivid descriptions of lesions and grisly details of treatments. Some of the conditions mentioned therein are straightforwardly identified from their descriptions, whereas others are open to interpretation. Recent DNA evidence has also shed light on this topic, causing scholars to re-evaluate the presence of various conditions, such as leprosy and tuberculosis, in different parts of the ancient world. The Egyptians are perhaps most famed for the preservation of bodies through the process of mummification, which provides us with a unique glimpse into the nature of skin disease in the ancient world. Mummified skin tends to be shrunken, deeply pigmented and brittle. Even so, nails, hair and epidermal ridging are preserved. Prolonged rehydration and staining can reveal the stratum corneum, keratinocytes, melanin, collagen and elastic fibres, along with adnexal structures and subcutaneous tissue. Mummies with identifiable dermatological disease include Ramses V (d. 1145 Bc), whose face, neck, shoulders, lower abdomen and scrotum bear the marks of smallpox. The diagnosis was later confirmed by electron microscopy, which identified the variola viral corpuscle in his skin. Skin tumours have also been found in mummified remains, as have syndromic features of diseases, which predispose to multiple dermatological malignancies, such as Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, which is suspected in two fraternal mummies from around 3000 Bc. One specimen from c. 1300 Bc was identified as having a venous ulcer, which was subsequently confirmed when histology demonstrated perivascular haemosiderin deposition. Other tentative diagnoses have been made on appearance alone, including pustular dermatosis, impetigo and pemphigus foliaceus. Too often do we perceive medical history as starting in earnest during the last few centuries. The Ancient Egyptians have bequeathed to us a wealth of information, both historical and archaeological, which, combined with modern techniques, has allowed us to peer through the millennia into a dermatological world that can feel simultaneously alien and familiar. This presentation/poster will showcase what we understand of this world and what future research might hold in store.

Need for speed: a breakthrough speed breeding protocol for hemp

Need for speed: a breakthrough speed breeding protocol for hemp

From ancient Egypt to the dermatologic office: An overview of skin substitutes and modern-day applications in dermatologic surgery.

Skin grafting (specifically xenografting) dates back to as early as 1500 before Christ (BC)in the Ebers papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus.In 1503, the use of human skin allograft was described in the manuscript of Branca of Sicily, and among the Hindu Tilemaker Caste approximately 2500-3000 years ago, surgeons repaired defects secondary to nose amputations of those who committed adultery and thievery. Over the years, many advancements in skin grafts/substitutes and their applications have propelled the field to focus on better graft survival, contracture prevention, cosmesis, and quality of life.We provide a general overview of skin substitutes (SS) with a particular focus on placental SS and their current applications in dermatologic surgery.

Ḥijāmah (Cupping Therapy): Special Reference to Neuromuscular Disorders

The use of Ḥijāmah dates back to 3500 BC in Egypt, with records in Ebers Papyrus. But in the last two decades, Ḥijāmah is gaining its due acceptance in the management of different neuromuscular and pain disorders. For sciatica, Ḥijāmah is advised over the sciatic nerve. Ḥijāmah with 2 cups (over the gluteal area and thigh/ over calf muscle and below the ankle), with 5 cups and even with 9 cups may be done in patients of sciatica. These different settings/ protocols of Ḥijāmah in patients with sciatica show a significant reduction in pain and disability. Ḥijāmah for lower back pain is indicated on acupuncture points BL23, BL24, and BL25 by application of 2 cups on each site, either simultaneously or in a phased manner (in 3 sittings on weekly basis; cupping at one site at once, followed by next point in the next week). According to the Persian traditional method, Ḥijāmah between the scapula (on day 0), then at the sacrum (on day 3) and over the calf muscle (on day 6) gives good results in lower back pain. Ḥijāmah (wet cupping) over the painful area of the neck with multiple cups (2-6) in a single sitting is the preferred method for non-specific neck pain. Even Ḥijāmah without scarification (Ḥijāmahbila Sharṭ) has a short-term effect in all such conditions, but Ḥijāmah (wet cupping) gives spontaneous as well as long-term benefits in almost all neuromuscular and other pain disorders. Therefore, Ḥijāmah comes as a better alternative with minimally invasive procedures for most neuromuscular disorders.

Dental health and dentistry in ancient Egypt: Possible evidence for dental filling and extraction at Deir el-Medina

ObjectiveThis study combines caries and antemortem tooth loss rates with possible dental interventions and medical texts to evaluate whether dentistry was practiced in Pharaonic Egypt. MaterialsThe study includes 32 mandibles and 44 maxillae consisting of 485 teeth and 1052 tooth sockets. It includes 14 Egyptian texts on dental treatments. MethodsHuman remains were observed macroscopically for carious lesions and antemortem tooth loss. Egyptian texts were translated from photographs. Results11 % of teeth were lost antemortem and 42 % of maxillae and mandibles had one or more teeth lost antemortem. One possible dental extraction is presented. Carious lesions were present in 10 % of teeth and 39 % of mandibles and maxillae. One example of a possible dental filling is presented. Two treatments from Papyrus Ebers discuss treatments to fill a tooth. ConclusionAMTL and carious lesions were common in this sample, especially in older adults. The possible presence of a dental extraction and a dental filling in combination with textual references to dental fillings indicate dental interventions were sometimes used to manage dental health in Egypt. SignificanceThis study is the earliest evidence in Egypt for a dental filling in human remains. It also offers an interdisciplinary analysis of dental treatments that indicates, contrary to earlier publications, that dental interventions were practiced in Egypt during the New Kingdom. LimitationsThe poor dental health of many Egyptian populations makes it impossible to assess how frequently Egyptians used dental interventions. Further ResearchFuture analysis of the dental filling could help determine its composition.

Pleiotropic Effects of Icariside II on the Cardiovascular System: Novel Applications of Ethnopharmacology in Targeting Vascular Remodeling.

Pleiotropic Effects of Icariside II on the Cardiovascular System: Novel Applications of Ethnopharmacology in Targeting Vascular Remodeling.

Medicinal Plants: The Rising Strategy for Synthesis of Modern Medicine

The knowledge of the medicinal properties of the plants is rooted back in the cultural transmission of historic traditions, and beliefs of the inhabitants of a given geographical area, and in the ancient texts, literature such as Ebers Papyrus, De Materia Medica. The ethnic communities such as Bhotiya residing in the Byans valley of West Himalaya, India; Chin indigenous group of Myanmar still customize their herbal formulations from different plant parts depending upon the types of disease for disease prevention and treatment. However, with the change in consumer behavior, the pharmaceutical industries are gaining interest in the formulation of modern medicines based upon natural plant extracts, or the isolated bioactive compounds.

HF01-16 THE ORIGINS OF HOMEOPATHY: A COST-EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL UROLOGIC CARE

You have accessJournal of UrologyHistory of Urology Forum I (HF01)1 Sep 2021HF01-16 THE ORIGINS OF HOMEOPATHY: A COST-EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL UROLOGIC CARE Jay A. Motola Jay A. MotolaJay A. Motola More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001992.16AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Homeopathy (H) is a 10 billion dollar business. Over 20% of the population use these agents. We identify many H agents used in Urology based on treatments thousands of years old. METHODS: A literature search of Pubmed, Ovid, Google Scholar and the internet was used. RESULTS: Dating back to the Ebers Papyrus (1550 BC) many remedies using a H approach. Grapes, dates, wheat, celery, flax and figs were used to treat urinary diseases (UD). In 13th century Turkey they were used for UD, libido and fertility issues. 41 H agents were used to treat UD. Blackberries were used to melt bladder stones. A mouse model shows calcium (Ca) oxalate (ox) inhibition with raspberry. Christ's Thorn was used as an anti-inflammatory and for urinary incontinence (UI) in ancient Egypt and today in the mid-east. Ancient Romans used fennel for painful urination and urinary stones and still today for a diuretic effect. The Indian Ladakh region used 68 H agents for UD, including cinnamon. It was also used in the Yuan dynasty (1300AD) for UD. Naturalists encourage cinnamon, as a low ox substance to alter calcium ox metabolism. Ancient Chinese acupuncture relies on Qi or life energy flows connecting body organs. They have been associated with a 50-70% decrease in hot flashes in prostate cancer. Herbal rhubarb teas show benefit in interstitial cystitis. In the 1200's many natural products were cited for their benefits. Stinging nettle used for UTI and dysuria, now is known to reduce E. Coli motility and exhibit anti-biofilm activity. H agents do not have any inhibitory effects on E.Coli, but activate the immune system to effect their growth. Pomegranate used for UI and stone disease can lower urinary ox, Ca and phosphate. Onions were used to increase libido and naturalists still use them. Current studies suggest pumpkin seeds have beneficial bladder effects, yet they were used in the 1300s as well. Cyperus longus and other grassses were used for incontinence in Turkey, as a diuretic in India, and are investigated as an anti-cancer agents. Ayuredic medicine, practiced in India for over 2000 years used many herbs such as juniper and serenoa repens, which are used today for UTIs and BPH. H options for potassium citrate have been reported. H agents decrease UTIs in spinal cord injury. Academic centers tout H urologic remedies. CONCLUSIONS: Much controversy exists with regards to H. Substances used today have been used for thousands of years. Naturally occurring substances have some health benefits, and are very cost-effective, especially in poor nations where they may be abundant. Ongoing controlled clinical studies must be conducted. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e233-e233 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jay A. Motola More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

A Critical Evaluation of "The Ear that Hears Badly" in the Ebers Papyrus.

The Ebers papyrus (1,550 BC) is one of the most complete medical papyri of Ancient Egypt. It contains a few paragraphs about otology, about both treatments of the external ear and ideas concerning the ears and deafness. Over the years, many scholarly interpretations of these paragraphs have been made by learned Egyptologists and academic historians of otology. They do not always agree and have often been critical of each other. This historical review compares and contrasts all the main published academic translations of the Ebers papyrus by looking at the original document and their interpretations. Historical research, based on the various translations of the Ebers papyrus. Eight complete translations of the whole Ebers manuscript have been analyzed. Four of these contain transliteration of the hieroglyphics. The hieroglyph associated with the ear is a pictogram of a cow's ear. It has two possible interpretations. It can mean the ear itself but it can also be used to denote either deafness or hearing. Insights into the early Egyptians perception of the ear may be obtained, but study of primary references shows that there is scant evidence of knowledge of anatomical details in the Ebers papyrus.

Clinical Presentation of Varicose Veins

Varicose vein is one type of venous insufficiency that presents with any dilated, elongated, or tortuous veins caused by permanent loss of its valvular efficiency. Destruction of venous valves in the axial veins results in venous hypertension, reflux, and total dilatation, causing varicosities and transudation of fluid into subcutaneous tissue. The first documented reference of varicose veins was found as illustrations on Ebers Papyrus dated 1550 B.C. in Athens. Evidence of surgical intervention was found in the 1860s. However dramatic advances of varicose vein management occurred in the latter half of twentieth century. Varicose veins affect from 40 to 60% of women and 15 to 30% men. Multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors including age, gender, pregnancy, weight, height, race, diet, bowel habits, occupation, posture, previous DVT, genetics, and climate are considered to be the predisposing factors for formation of varicose vein. Other reported factors are hereditary, standing occupation, chair sitting, tight underclothes, raised toilet seats, lack of exercise, smoking, and oral contraceptives. Common symptoms are unsightly visible veins, pain, aching, swelling, itching, skin changes, ulceration, thrombophlebitis, and bleeding. The signs of varicose vein disease are edema, varicose eczema or thrombophlebitis, ulcers (typically found over the medial malleolus), hemosiderin skin staining, lipodermatosclerosis (tapering of legs above ankles, an “inverted champagne bottle” appearance), and atrophie blanche. Varicose vein is classified according to CEAP classification, the components of which are clinical, etiological, anatomy, and pathophysiology. The revised CEAP classification was published on 2020 based on four principles which were preservation of the reproducibility of CEAP, compatibility with prior versions, evidence-based medicine, and practicality.