The transition from herbal remedies to modern pharmaceuticals in 20th-century medicine

By Nate Williams

By Pramod Tiwari from Unsplash

In 20th-century medicine, the shift from herbal treatments to contemporary pharmaceuticals represents a substantial evolution in healthcare practices, propelled by advances in science, shifts in public opinion, and the creation of regulatory frameworks. This change influenced how we view health and illness in addition to changing the field of medical therapies.

Historical Context of Herbal Remedies

Since ancient civilizations relied on plants for their therapeutic qualities, herbal treatments have been used for ages. Early medical practices were founded on the knowledge of medicinal plants that was transmitted from generation to generation. Traditional writings, for example, describe how different herbs were used in ancient Greek, Chinese, and Indian medicine to cure a variety of illnesses. However, the effectiveness and dependability of herbal medicines came under scrutiny as scientific knowledge of disease processes developed in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Scientific Advancements

The shift from herbal to pharmacological therapies was greatly aided by the development of modern science. Friedrich Sertürner's 1805 separation of morphine from opium signaled the start of a new era in pharmacology, which involved the extraction of active chemicals from plants. Because processing made dosing more precise and reduced the possibility of harmful effects from contaminants, this advancement led to a concentration on purified chemicals rather than whole plant extracts. The development of focused and potent antibiotics, like penicillin, which was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 and transformed the treatment of bacterial infections, was made possible by research into the characteristics of isolated molecules.

The Role of Regulatory Bodies

Standardizing drug approval procedures and guaranteeing the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals were made possible by the creation of regulatory bodies, most notably the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act drastically changed the medical landscape by requiring that new medications be proven safe before going on sale. The shift from unregulated herbal products to thoroughly studied medicines was cemented by this regulatory framework and the Kefauver-Harris Drug Amendments of 1962, which mandated that drug efficacy be proven via scientific testing.

Changing Societal Attitudes

Social perceptions of medicine and health changed during the 20th century. Herbal cures and other ancient medicinal methods were sidelined by the rise of biomedicine, which was marked by reductionism and an emphasis on particular disease causes. Many customers started to favor medicines over herbal remedies as public confidence in pharmaceutical corporations increased, supported by effective treatments and the promise of modern medicine. Herbal treatments were widely regarded with suspicion by the medical world, which frequently attributed their effectiveness to placebo effects rather than actual substances.

Resurgence of Herbal Medicine

Despite the dominance of pharmaceuticals, the latter part of the 20th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in herbal medicine. Factors such as dissatisfaction with side effects of synthetic drugs, increased consumer awareness, and a growing emphasis on holistic health catalyzed this revival. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 in the United States recognized herbal products as dietary supplements, facilitating their market growth and asserting their place within the health industry.

Conclusion

​The transition from herbal remedies to modern pharmaceuticals in 20th-century medicine represents a complex journey influenced by scientific discovery, regulatory advancements, and societal shifts.​ While pharmaceuticals have dramatically improved disease management and health outcomes, the enduring interest in herbal medicine suggests that a holistic approach to health, integrating both traditional and modern treatments, may be beneficial for future healthcare practices. Ongoing research into the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies can enhance our understanding of their potential role alongside conventional medicine, creating a more integrated healthcare landscape.

References:

Richardson, R. G., Rhodes, P., Thomson, W. a. R., Guthrie, D. J., & Underwood, E. A. (2024, October 30). History of medicine | History & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/history-of-medicine/Medicine-in-the-20th-century

The Pharmaceutical Century - 1920 to 1930. (n.d.). https://farmamol.web.uah.es/The%20Pharmaceutical%20Century/Ch2.html

Zarros, A., & Tansey, T. (2019). Editorial: Pharmaceutical Innovation After World War II: From Rational Drug Discovery to Biopharmaceuticals. Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, 834. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00834

pharmaphorum Editor. (2020, September 1). A history of the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaphorum. https://pharmaphorum.com/r-d/a_history_of_the_pharmaceutical_industry