Ca’ Granda, Hortus simplicium: medicinal species for the treatment of upper airways disorders during the XV-XIX centuries

Abstract

Background: This work represents the study of one of the 150 pharmacy jars belonging to the Ospedale Maggiore Ca’ Granda in Milan (Lombardy, Italy). This collection is the surviving part of the 450 maiolica jars produced during the XVII and the XVIII centuries and originally preserved in the Pharmacy of the Hospital. Our main objective was the thorough study of the jar number 9 and the remedy once preserved therein from a historical, pharmacological, and phytochemical point of view. This remedy, known as Electuarium Diacurcumae, was once used for the treatment of several different pathologies, such as upper airways disorders.

Methods: The following phases were therefore carried out: (i) analysis of the inscription on the jar, with extensive survey on historical medical texts and almanacs to identify the plant-based ingredients of the remedy and its historical medicinal purpose; (ii) bibliographic research in modern scientific literature to validate or refute the historical use of the remedy.

Results: The research highlighted that at least 9 out of the 18 plant-based ingredients of the Electuarium would have effectively brought benefit in the treatment of several inflammation-based airways disorders.

Conclusions: Through this multidisciplinary approach, it was possible to underline not only the historic-artistic significance of the jar, but also the potential scientific role of the content.

Keywords: Hortus simplicium; ethnobotany; ethnopharmacology; medicinal plants; Electuarium Diacurcumae; respiratory tract