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[Foreign medicinal materials in Bencao Tujing].
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China Research Units of DAO-DI Herbs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 22019RU57, Beijing 100700, China State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
The ancient Chinese text "Bencao Tujing" details foreign medicines used in the Song Dynasty, highlighting extensive trade and integration of global medicinal resources into daily life.
Area of Science:
- History of Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Cultural Exchange
Background:
- The Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) saw significant advancements in various fields, including materia medica.
- Understanding the historical integration of foreign medicinal materials provides insight into ancient trade routes and cultural interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the content of Bencao Tujing regarding foreign medicinal materials.
- To assess the accuracy and scope of recorded foreign medicinal varieties.
- To understand the Song Dynasty's engagement with and application of global pharmacopeia.
Main Methods:
- Content analysis of Bencao Tujing.
- Historical research on trade routes (Silk Road, Maritime Silk Road).
- Comparative analysis of textual descriptions and illustrations of medicinal materials.
Main Results:
- Bencao Tujing documents foreign medicinal materials from 29 countries and various trade routes.
- The text systematically records pre-Song Dynasty foreign varieties and Song Dynasty domestic/foreign resources.
- Illustrations were largely accurate, though some depictions and descriptions contained conjecture or lacked corresponding visuals.
Conclusions:
- Foreign medicinal materials were integrated into Song Dynasty daily life, indicating significant cultural and economic exchange.
- The Song court actively investigated and documented foreign medicinal resources.
- Bencao Tujing serves as a crucial historical resource for studying the introduction and use of foreign medicines in ancient China.
