Studies of Medicinal plants published by the Academia of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Habana from 1899 to 1958

Abstract

The article examines one of the areas of interest encouraged by the Academy in the first half of this century as a continuation of the activity of the nineteenth century: namely, the study and discussion of works by doctors, chemists, pharmacists on the medicinal plants of the island. The article enumerates and comments on the studies made by these researchers and their use of new techniques (chemical and organic analysis, histological examination, etc.). Two stages are noted in the period: first, up to 1939 continuing the work of the previous century; second, the use of clinical experimentation through physiological tests on animals and people. The article shows the support the Academy gave to the dissemination of knowledge through the use of new medicines of vegetable origin in Cuban therapeutics and in some cases warning of possible dangers of popular empirical use of certain plants. The Academy attempted to lay the scientific basis for this pharmaceutical activity and replace, as far as possible, the synthetic chemical medication, resulting in a very positive and profitable endeavour for Cuban public health.