Concept of Drug and its classification from ancient period until pharmacy age in Golden age of knowledge in Islamic civilization

What is remained of pharmaceutical knowledge from past centuries is discrete and discontinuous; however, footprints of main concept, essence and patients instructions of drugs can be found in Islamic medical references, which were whether translated, edited or compiled. Medicaments’ spectrum consists of Healers, Poisons, Antidotes and Placebos. This classification changed due to translation of medical books from other languages to Arabic and compilation of more books in this field. This new classification was based on the origin of the drug; plant-based, mineral-based and animal-based processed or unprocessed drugs. This method led to separation of knowledge of pharmacy from medicine, which was later parted itself to pharmacology and pharmaceutics. Therefore, the aim goal of this article is to discuss the concept and classification of drugs in different periods of time from ancient era until pharmacy age in Golden Age of knowledge in Islamic civilization.

Author(s): Hamed Ahansazan, Niusha Esmaealzadeh, Reyhane Ahansazan

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