'Hunt down' the medical secret of ancient Egyptians

A group of British and Egyptian scientists are trying to decipher the secret of drugs used by ancient Egyptians 5,000 years ago.

The University of Manchester team is heading to Sinai, Egypt to further clarify how Egyptians form their medical ideas. They will compare modern plants in this area with those used by tribes, like Bedouin. Traces of these plants are found in ancient tombs.

Scientists will examine plant extracts found in ancient tombs to shed light on Egyptian medical secrets (Photo: BBC)

The project is implemented by Ai Kenh Medical and Biomedical Research Center. Dr. Ryan Metcalf joined the research team saying: 'We pay attention to ancient Egyptian medicine because of its progress over time. Many drugs that ancient Egyptians use are still used today. They certainly have some quite effective herbs and probably already know that hemp has an analgesic effect. '

He also suggested that the ancient Egyptians used natural remedies, such as chewing the willow bark - containing the same ingredients as aspirin - and using honey to cover open wounds to kill germs.

The focus of this project is to find out where such treatment ideas come from.

'By comparing prescriptions in ancient medical literature with medicinal plants used by indigenous Bedouins, we hope to discover the origins of Pharaon era medicine', Metcalf to speak.

T.VY