Tracing the Roots of Chinese Pharmacology
Pinpointing a single 'oldest drug' in China is challenging, as the origins of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) predate systematic written records. The most enduring evidence comes from a mix of archaeological discoveries, ancient medical texts, and millennia of unbroken herbal tradition. Instead of a single answer, several contenders offer a glimpse into China's long history of medicinal practice. This includes herbs documented in the foundational pharmacopoeia, as well as substances whose use has been traced back through history.
The Foundational Text: Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing
Often translated as The Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica, the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing is considered the earliest surviving Chinese pharmacopoeia, compiled around 206 BCE. The text is attributed to the mythological emperor Shennong, who is said to have personally tasted hundreds of herbs to determine their medicinal properties. This classic work systematically documented 365 herbs, organizing them into three distinct categories based on their effects and potential toxicity.
- Upper-grade herbs: Comprising 120 drugs, these were considered harmless and used as health tonics for longevity and illness prevention. Examples include Lingzhi, ginseng, and jujube.
- Middle-grade herbs: With 120 therapeutic substances, these were intended to treat illness but could have varying degrees of toxicity. This category included ginger and peonies.
- Lower-grade herbs: Consisting of 125 substances, these often had strong, violent, and sometimes poisonous effects. They were used to treat specific diseases but required careful dosage and are often highly toxic.
This categorization system formed the bedrock of Chinese herbalism and demonstrates an early and sophisticated understanding of pharmacology, long before Western medicine began its formal development.
Prominent Candidates for the Oldest Chinese Drug
While the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing provides the earliest comprehensive record, other remedies have strong historical claims to being among China's oldest drugs. Their stories highlight the continuous interplay of folk wisdom, written tradition, and eventual scientific validation.
Ginseng (Rénshēn)
One of the most valuable and historically significant herbs in TCM is ginseng, specifically Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Its use dates back over 5,000 years, with early records appearing in Chinese medical texts from the Han Dynasty. In TCM, ginseng is revered as the "king of herbs" and was believed to restore the body's balance, boost vitality, and promote longevity. Its human-like root shape was seen as a symbol of its power to enhance both physical and mental health. Modern research has confirmed some of ginseng's properties, identifying active compounds called ginsenosides that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica)
Ma Huang, derived from the plant Ephedra sinica, has a long history of use in TCM for treating respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and congestion. It contains alkaloids like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which stimulate the central nervous system. While used safely in controlled traditional preparations for centuries, Ma Huang gained notoriety in the West due to its incorporation into weight loss supplements, leading to severe side effects and subsequent bans. This starkly contrasts the traditional, balanced approach of TCM, where it was used judiciously.
Opium (Yīngsù)
Opium's history in China is complex, beginning with medicinal use and later marred by addiction and conflict. It was introduced to China as a medicinal substance by Arab traders during the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE). Initially, it was used to control bodily fluids, alleviate pain, and treat conditions like chronic diarrhea. For centuries, it remained an expensive medicinal herb, prized by medical practitioners. The recreational use and widespread addiction, fueled by Western trade practices in the 17th century, marked a dramatic and tragic shift in its role.
Lingzhi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Archaeological evidence points to the use of Lingzhi, a type of medicinal mushroom, in China as far back as 6,800 years ago. Though specific medicinal records from that period are scarce, this discovery at the Hemudu archaeological site suggests that these mushrooms were among the earliest natural remedies utilized by ancient peoples. In later TCM, Lingzhi was classified as an "upper-grade" herb in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, valued for its restorative and longevity-promoting properties.
The Resurgence of Ancient Knowledge: Artemisinin
Sometimes, ancient wisdom is rediscovered and refined for modern use. A prime example is artemisinin, a compound isolated from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), an herb known in TCM as Qing Hao. Historically used for over 2,000 years to treat fevers, including those caused by malaria, its potent antimalarial properties were rediscovered in 1969 by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. She was inspired by a 4th-century text that described an extraction method using lower temperatures, which turned out to be crucial for preserving the active compound. This rediscovery led to the development of artemisinin-based combination therapies, now the World Health Organization-recommended treatment for malaria worldwide. The story of artemisinin serves as a testament to the enduring power of ancient botanical knowledge.
Comparison of Ancient Chinese Remedies
| Remedy | Primary Traditional Use | Historical Period | Modern Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginseng | Tonic for vitality, adaptogen, promoting longevity | Documented in Han Dynasty (c. 206 BCE), used earlier | Highly valued and widely studied supplement; active compounds identified. |
| Ma Huang | Respiratory conditions like asthma and congestion, stimulant | Centuries of use in TCM | Banned in many countries for supplement use due to side effects; pharmaceutical ephedrine is controlled. |
| Opium | Pain relief, diarrhea, sedative | Introduced Tang Dynasty (c. 7th century CE) | Strict regulations worldwide due to addiction potential; source of pharmaceutical narcotics like morphine. |
| Lingzhi | Tonic for longevity, promoting vitality and balance | Archaeological evidence from 6,800 years ago; mentioned in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing | Valued in TCM and popular as a dietary supplement. |
| Qing Hao | Treating fevers, including malaria | Over 2,000 years of use for fevers | Source of modern artemisinin-based malaria treatments. |
Conclusion
While a single answer to what is the old drug in China? is elusive, an exploration into the history of TCM reveals a rich pharmacological heritage. From the archaeological hints of Lingzhi's use millennia ago to the systematic organization in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, ancient Chinese physicians cultivated a profound understanding of natural remedies. Herbs like ginseng and Ma Huang have endured through the ages, while the story of artemisinin demonstrates how ancient knowledge can still unlock medical breakthroughs today. This tradition serves as a powerful reminder of how pharmacology has evolved over thousands of years, balancing deep-rooted practice with modern scientific inquiry.
