Pharmacoeconomics: Open Access

The History and Evolution of Pharmacopoeias

Abstract

Fuaud Ran

Pharmacopoeias have a rich and diverse history dating back to ancient times. The earliest known pharmacopoeia is the Chinese Shennong Benaco Jing, which was written in the 3rd century BCE and contains descriptions of hundreds of medicinal plants and their uses. The Greeks and Romans also had their own pharmacopoeias, which included descriptions of herbal remedies and other medicinal substances. In the middle Ages, Arab scholars built upon the Greek and Roman pharmacopoeias and developed their own systems of medicine, which included a focus on pharmacology and pharmacy. One of the most influential works from this period was the Canon of Medicine by Avicenna, which was written in the 11th century and remained a standard medical text for centuries. During the Renaissance, the study of medicine and pharmacy was further advanced in Europe, with the publication of several important pharmacopoeias. One of the most significant was the Pharmacopoeia. Which was published in 1618 and remained the official pharmacopoeia of England until the 19th century? This pharmacopoeia contained descriptions of medicinal substances, along with recipes for preparing medicines and instructions for quality control.