Treatments of scurvy
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Treatments of Scurvy: Historical and Modern Approaches
Historical Treatments of Scurvy
Antiscorbutic Herbs and Traditional Remedies
In the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, various "antiscorbutic" herbs were used to treat scurvy among land-dwellers. These included preparations from herbs such as brooklime, watercress, mallow, hogweed, and roman chamomile. However, analyses of these herbs revealed that their ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content was insufficient to effectively treat clinically-defined scurvy, suggesting that the term "scurvy" was often used to describe a range of conditions unrelated to vitamin C deficiency .
Cloudberries and Other Folk Remedies
In the 16th and 17th centuries, cloudberries were noted for their miraculous effects on scurvy patients. Other traditional remedies included blood-letting, laxatives, and root extracts. Palliative care often involved baths with decoctions of various plants and drinking extracts of wormwood, scurvy grass, or elder. For gum and teeth issues, herbs like rosemary, hyssop, and sage were recommended .
Early Citrus Treatments
The use of lemon juice for preventing and curing scurvy among sailors was established by the early seventeenth century. John Woodall, in his 1639 work "Surgeon's Mate," praised lemon juice as a precious remedy . However, it was not until James Lind's 1747 trial that the effectiveness of citrus fruits, specifically a mix of lemon and orange juices, was scientifically demonstrated 34.
Modern Understanding and Treatments
Discovery of Vitamin C
The 20th century brought a significant breakthrough with the identification of scurvy as a deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This discovery led to the synthesis of vitamin C, which, when administered in adequate quantities, completely prevents and cures scurvy 45.
Pediatric Scurvy and Autism
Recent studies have highlighted the resurgence of scurvy in children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). These children often have severe food selectivity, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Treatment involves reintroducing vitamin C into the diet, typically through oral supplementation, although parenteral administration may be necessary in some cases 789.
Adult Scurvy
In adults, scurvy can develop due to inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, often linked to poor nutrition, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism, or social isolation. Symptoms include fatigue, skin hemorrhages, gum abnormalities, and joint pain. Treatment with vitamin C results in rapid and dramatic improvement .
Conclusion
The treatment of scurvy has evolved significantly from traditional herbal remedies to the modern understanding of vitamin C deficiency. Historical treatments, while varied and sometimes effective, lacked the scientific basis that contemporary treatments provide. Today, the reintroduction of vitamin C remains the cornerstone of scurvy treatment, ensuring rapid recovery and prevention of this once-devastating disease.
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