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  • In pictures

How an animation educated the army

In a 1940s cartoon intended to persuade US troops to take malaria medication, the makers pitted a clodhopping soldier against a wily mosquito. If only Private SNAFU had followed the government’s advice.

  • Article

The healing power of the physic garden

Having experienced the healing power of plants and gardens, Iona Glen goes in search of present-day “physic gardens” and their origins in history.

  • Article

Hunting lost plants in botanical collections

A bark specimen at Kew recalls the story of a South American man who harvested the most potent source of the only effective malaria treatment available in the late 1800s. Killed for his work and forgotten by history, Manuel Mamani was a victim of the colonial juggernaut.

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  • Blister pack of chloroquine antimalarial tablets. Chloroquine is used to prevent and treat the infectious disease malaria. Malaria is caused by parasites (Plasmodium species) which enter the blood when inefcted mosquitoes feed. Side effects of chloroquine include vomitting, nausea and headache. Retinopathy (damage to the retina) is a rare eye condition associated with long term use over many years. Drug resistance against antimalarials is increasing.
  • Hydrangea quercifolia W.Bartram Hydrangeaceae. Oak-leaved hydrangea. Distribution: South-eastern United States. Beta-dichroine a quinazolinone also called febrifugine from the leaves of hydrangeas is 64-100 times more potent than quinine as an antimalarial in animals, but extremely toxic. A synthesised tolyl derivative, methaqualone (2-methyl-3-o-tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone), was found to be a mild hypnotic, and marketed in the sleeping tablet, Mandrax. Widely abused and quickly banned by most countries. Illegal manufacture continues and in South Africa methaqualone is the commonest drug of abuse, mixed with cannabis and smoked. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : the wonderful liver remedy : small doses, prompt effect.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : ensures appetite & digestion : small doses, prompt effect.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : cures sick headache & biliousness: small doses, prompt effect.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : cures all diseases of the stomach, liver & blood : small doses, prompt effect.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : cures all diseases of the stomach, liver & blood : small doses, prompt effect.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : cures sick headache & biliousness: small doses, prompt effect.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : ensures appetite & digestion : small doses, prompt effect.
  • Dr. Grosvenor's Liveraid : the wonderful liver remedy : small doses, prompt effect.
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