History of Medicine and Ayurveda

Questions and Answers

What did Rudolf Bucheim contribute to pharmacology?

Introduction of urethane as a hypnotic.

Isolation of histamine from pituitary extract.

Establishment of the first pharmacology laboratory. (correct)

Discovery of acetylcholine in adrenal extracts.

What is notable about Friedrich Serturner's experiment?

He discovered the first chemical evidence of neurotransmission.

He isolated epinephrine from adrenal gland extracts.

He administered morphine to himself and friends. (correct)

He trained John Jacob Abel in pharmacology.

Which major contribution is associated with John Jacob Abel?

Gave the name pharmacology as a subject. (correct)

Pioneered experimental pharmacology.

Isolated the first alkaloid from opium.

Established the existence of the vasomotor system.

Otto Loewi is most known for what discovery?

Providing chemical evidence for synapse transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is emphasized by Dale’s law?

Each neuron releases only one type of neurotransmitter. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure is recognized as 'The Father of Medicine' for attempting to separate medicine from superstition?

Hippocrates Signup and view all the answers

What significant contribution did Dhanvantari make to medicine?

Developed Ayurveda and perfected herbal cures Signup and view all the answers

Which substance did Paracelsus use in his pioneering work in medicine?

Zinc Signup and view all the answers

What did Claude Bernard discover about curare in 1842?

It interrupts stimulation of muscles at the neuromuscular junction Signup and view all the answers

Which key work by Pedanius Dioscorides served as an authority for medicine for nearly 1500 years?

De Materia Medica Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pioneers of Medicine and Pharmacology

“The Father of Medicine” first separated medical practice from superstition and religion.
Dhanvantari, an early Indian surgeon, is regarded as the source of Ayurveda and discovered antiseptic properties of turmeric and salt for remedies.
Paracelsus (1493-1541) emphasized chemicals like zinc in medicine and opposed polypharmacy.
William Withering (1741-1799) discovered digitalis from foxglove, used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF).

Key Medical Texts and Early Contributions

Pedanius Dioscorides (40-90 AD) authored De Materia Medica, a foundational text for medicine and pharmacology, influential for nearly 1500 years.
Francois Magendie (1783-1855) pioneered experimental physiology, introducing morphine, codeine, and quinine into French medicine.
Claude Bernard (1813-1878) expanded on Magendie's work, discovering curare's effects on nerve impulses and establishing crucial physiological principles.

Advances in Pharmacology

Rudolf Bucheim (1820-1879) founded the first pharmacology laboratory and introduced bioassay methods.
Oswald Schmeideberg (1838-1921) is recognized as the founder of modern pharmacology, publishing key texts and supporting the German pharmaceutical industry.
John Jacob Abel (1857-1938), known as the Father of American Pharmacology, isolated epinephrine and histamine and prepared crystalline insulin in 1926.

Discoveries of Alkaloids and Chemical Transmission

Friedrich Serturner isolated the first alkaloid, morphine, from opium in 1805, experiencing severe poisoning himself.
Otto Loewi provided chemical evidence for synaptic transmission, crucial for neuroscience studies.
Sir Henry Hallett Dale (1875-1968) distinguished neurotransmitter receptors and formulated key principles in pharmacology.

Contributions to Pharmacology in India

Colonel Ram Nath Chopra (1882-1973) pioneered Indian pharmacology and research on Rauwolfia serpentina, establishing India's first National Drug Research Institute.

Innovations in Chemotherapy and Antibiotics

Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915), a key figure in hematology and immunology, coined the term "chemotherapy" and developed significant treatments for syphilis.
Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) discovered lysozyme and penicillin, revolutionizing antibiotic treatment.

Groundbreaking Discoveries in Insulin and Antibacterial Agents

Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin, significantly changing diabetes treatment.
Gerhard Domagk (1895-1964) discovered the first antibiotic, Prontosil, effective against streptococcus infections.

Key Discoveries in Antihistamines and Signal Transduction

Daniel Bovet synthesized the first antihistamine and contributed to understanding sulfanilamide's therapeutic effects.
Nobel Prize winners have made substantial contributions to pharmacology and related fields, such as the discovery of G proteins and signaling mechanisms in cells.

Serendipitous Discoveries in Pharmacology

Penicillin was discovered by accident when Alexander Fleming found mold killing bacteria in his culture.
Viagra, initially studied for hypertension, was found effective for erectile dysfunction.
Observations of side effects, such as hair growth from minoxidil, drove further pharmacological research.

Notable Nobel Laureates in Pharmacology

Recognized contributions vary from cell cycle regulation, magnetic resonance imaging, to advancements in cancer therapy and gene technology since 2001.
Significant discoveries in immunology and roles of signaling molecules were awarded Nobels between 2015 and 2018.