Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
Was Mafeisan an Anesthetic in Ancient China?
Peishan Zhao1, Xuejiao Yu2, Yoko Kagemoto3
1Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, # 298, Boston, MA 02111.
Abstract:
According to the Chinese historical books, Records of the Three Kingdoms () and Book of the Later Han (), Hua Tuo (, 140 - 208), a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician invented Mafeisan, an oral herbal general anesthetic, more than 1800 years ago during Eastern Han Dynasty. However, no written record of ingredients of the original Mafeisan has been found anywhere so far although there have been several similar anesthetic prescriptions published in TCM books later. There has been controversy over the existence of Mafeisan and even Hua Tuo in Chinese literature. We did extensive literature search and analysis, and believe that there indeed was Mafeisan in Hua Tuo's time.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Mechanism of Action
Local anesthetics are amphiphilic molecules consisting of a hydrophobic aromatic part linked to a hydrophilic group by an ester or amide linkage. They are weak bases and are usually available as salts, which increases their solubility and stability. Once administered, LAs exist in the body either...
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...

