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How did Galen influence the preparation and use of medicines?
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Docking of the anticancer drug Gleevec (imatinib) in the abl domain of the bcr-abl tyrosine kinase. Abnormalities in bcr-abl stimulate the continuous proliferation of bone marrow stem cells, causing an increase in myelogenous cells (granulocytes and macrophages) in the body and leading to chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Galen, a prominent Greek physician, significantly influenced the preparation and use of medicines by establishing rigorous standards for pharmaceutical practice. Building upon earlier Hippocratic theories, he utilized his understanding of humours to prescribe specific remedies intended to restore the body's internal balance.1
His contributions to the field of pharmacy include:
- Emphasis on Quality: Galen was among the first practitioners to insist on the purity of drugs, recognizing that the efficacy of a medicine depended heavily on the quality of its ingredients.2
- Botanical Selection: He stressed the importance of selecting the correct variety and age of botanical specimens when preparing medicinal agents.2
- Apothecary Practices: Galen maintained an apothecary shop where he utilized various substances, such as opium and squill, for therapeutic purposes.2
- Galenicals: His legacy is reflected in the term "galenical," which refers to medicines prepared by extracting active constituents from plants. The practice of preparing these substances is known as Galenic pharmacy.34
While many of his specific medicinal preparations are now considered obsolete, his methodical approach to drug preparation and his insistence on quality control were foundational to the development of modern medicine.2