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Ancient Chinese Ming Dynasty Surgeons Used Plant Toxin as Anesthetic

By PulseAugur Editorial · [1 sources] ·

Researchers have uncovered evidence of topical anesthetics used in 14th-century China, developed by surgeon Xia Quan during the Ming dynasty. Analysis of surgical tools from Xia's tomb revealed the presence of aconitine, a toxin from the wolfsbane plant. This discovery supports historical texts and demonstrates an early understanding of how such compounds could temporarily inhibit nerve function to alleviate surgical pain. AI

RANK_REASON Discovery of historical medical practices supported by physical evidence. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.1]

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Ancient Chinese Ming Dynasty Surgeons Used Plant Toxin as Anesthetic

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Discovery of historical medical practices supported by physical evidence. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.1]
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. SCMP — Tech TIER_1 English(EN) · Kevin McSpadden ·

    Discovery of ancient Chinese anaesthesia reveals advanced early surgical practices

    The invention of modern anaesthetics in 1846 is a pivotal milestone in the history of modern medicine, yet humans have long sought to alleviate surgical pain. Recent research has showed that in the 14th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644) surgeons utilised a toxic plant concoction …

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