Last update:
09-Sep-2020

OBJECTIVE The Mega Dynameron, probably written in the 13th century by Nikolaos Myrepsos, included all up-to-then knowledge of Pharmacology. It consists of 24 sections, following the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet, and includes more than 2,600 pharmaceutical recipes. The Mega Dynameron was used as the reference book on drugs in Europe for about three centuries after its publication. Our study aimed to focus on recipes for nephrolithiasis, especially urinary bladder lithiasis.

METHOD For the purpose of this study, we read the Latin translation of "Mega Dynameron", published by Leonhart Fuchs in Basel in 1549, available online at the Biblioteca Digital Dioscórides of Universidad Complutense of Madrid, as well as the Greek publication by Elias Valiakos (2014 and 2019), based on Paris code gr.2243.

RESULTS Myrepsos refers to renal diseases in many recipes in his work. Most of them are intended for use in non-renal pathologies as well, and only a part of them is specifically for renal and urinary bladder lithiasis. "Antidotarium" in section "alpha" includes eight recipes referring specifically to dissolving bladder stones. Two of them concern exclusively urinary bladder lithiasis (ν'/LI and νβ'/LIII), while μα'/XLII and ρϟα'/CXCIII are used for both renal and bladder stones. The other four (β'/II, λθ'/XL, πη'/XC and τιδ'/CCCXX) are indicated for other diseases as well. Recipes include a rich variety of herbs, plants, vegetables and fruits, insects (e.g. cicada) and animal products (e.g. goat's blood), with detailed preparation instructions. Ingredients are mixed with honey, sugar, water, wine or chamomile, and administered with specific doses and duration of treatment. More recipes for renal inflammation, lithiasis and colics in Dynameron are found in the sections on ointments, patches, enemas, cathartics and others, while a couple of specific recipes for urinary bladder stones are referred in Index Salium/«Περί Αλάτων» (η'/VIII) and Index Lexopyretorum/ «περὶ Ληξοπυρέτων» (κγ'/XXIII).

CONCLUSIONS With his reference book on drugs "Mega Dynameron", Nikolaos Myrepsos disseminated invaluable knowledge on the treatment of urolithiasis throughout the centuries, highlighting the importance of kidney function and uropathies.

Key words: Bladder lithiasis, Dynameron, Nikolaos Myrepsos.Bladder lithiasis, Dynameron, Nikolaos Myrepsos.