Article Type : Research Article
Authors : Morganti P, Visentin P and Chen HD
Keywords : Ancient “secreti”; Ancient formulations; Medical art; Wellness; Health cosmeceuticals; Nutraceuticals; Nanotechnology; Innovation; Tissue-carriers
In 1716 the “speziale” (chemist/ doctor)
Fr Domenico Auda described the deep knowledge necessary to treat the patient’
disease by medical Art and the related cosmetic and medical formulations. Just
as today, in fact, many years of research and studies of worldwide scientists
have been and are necessary to make effective formulations, remembering the
poor knowledge on chemistry, biology, physiology and pharmacology of that time
also. However, during the last five hundred years, medical and cosmetic techniques
and formulations have been completely changed, also if the majority of the
natural ingredients used in the ancient periods are the same utilized until
today. Nevertheless, the toxic ingredients, such as some heavy metals are no
more used and, by the introduction of novel technologies, including
nanotechnology and bionanotechnology, effectiveness and safeness of the final
products have been increased, because based on the actual more deep knowledge
in chemistry, biochemistry, biology physiology, pharmacology and toxicology. In
any way, it is interesting to underline that we are applying the same ethic
conditions reported by the “consciencia” (knowledge and conscience) and
utilized into the ancient “speciaria” (chemist shop/hospital) also.
Nevertheless and differently from the past centuries, the new selected
technologies resulted all necessary for making more effective and safe the
actual drugs, cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals. By the paper we are trying to
give an idea on ancient cosmetic/medical formulations, compared to the today
ones, made by innovative technologies.
Active ingredients and carriers of novel drugs,
cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals are actually made by specialized gel and
emulsions prevalently made by natural green micronano molecules and polymeric
composites which, necessary to realize more effective products, are able to
facilitate their penetration through the skin and mucous membrane’ barriers
[1-4].To obtain the best results, skin and environmentally-friendly products
have been realized by many research studies reported for years from scientists
of different disciplines coming from different Countries [5-7].The best
novelties, in fact, are always due to the capacity to solve problems and find
new solutions by the R&D capacity of the involved people [8,9]. Therefore,
years of studies and a worldwide interdisciplinary cooperation was and is at
the basis of the progress and innovation [1-9].
At this purpose, it’s interesting to underline that
various innovative products were formulated since the ancient periods, by years
of R&D’ worldwide cooperation .Thus some cosmetic and medical formulations,
realized in the year 1716-1736 from
a famous “capo special” (chemist/doctor)
Fr Domenico Auda, will be reported as meravilous cosmetic/medical secrets
(Figure 1) [10]. Domenico Auda ,in fact, introduced the book-reader to many
formulations, reporting the three main conditions necessary to everyone wishing
to practise the medical Art of (“l’arte della Speciaria”): therefore they should have the capacity and conditions to realize the
designed formulations, possessing the relative knowledge also(“volere, poteree
sapere”) (Figure 2) [10]. All these three conditions are necessary to practice
the medical” Art” (“e’ necessario haverle tutte tre insieme”) because if the
medical doctor is “ignorant”, he isn’t believed from the patients. At this
purpose the monk declared: I personally tried to range the reported three
conditions, according to my possibility, for the need to make the medical Art
at the best, as it has required (“Io per quanto mi fu possibile procurai
d’haverle tutte e tre insieme per fare bene l’arte, come si richiede”) Figure 2
[10]. The first condition was “to will” (“il volere fu il primo”); the
knowledge was the second ones (“Il sapere fu il secondo”). However, to obtain
and realize the second step, I had to learn the medical Art with a lot of
difficulties, visiting during ten years
different world’ locations
in France, Lombardy and Italy, where finally I started to work in
the Saint Spirit Hospital’ office in Rome(“Il sapere fu il secondo ,quale
imparai con molte fatiche , patimenti ,e stenti per lo spatio d’un deci anni, camminando
diverse parti di Francia, Lombardia e Italia, riducendomi finalmente nella
Spetiaria dell’hospedale di San Spirito in Rome “) (Figure 2) [10]. By this
ancient book, it is interesting to verify the possibilities and by which
teachers Fr Domenico Auda had to learn the art of medical/ chemistry, necessary
to develop the many prescriptions reported into the four books (10). He had as
wise teaching Fr. Hippolito Mancini who, very expert in medicine, anatomical
surgery and pharmaceutical science, had a deep knowledge on the natural
ingredients also (Figure 3) [10]. Consequently Fr Domenico Auda had the
possibility to learn the main necessary characteristics described and
posssessed from 1500 ingredients, useful to be used for trying to solve many
different diseases or beauty problems regarding the precociously aged skin
also. At this purpose, different prescriptions are reported and discussed by
four books with the advertisement to use each of them in the right way to avoid
the possible toxic side effects. It has been affirmed that the reported secrets
have to be considered true and approved, also if often the time could result
not sufficient to solve the problems, first of all when the disease hasn’t been
well diagnosed: “Li secreti sono veri & approvati, se alcuna volta non
riescono procederà forse, perché non si sapranno applicare a tempo, non
conoscendo il male….”. The wise conclusion reported by the book II is that: “no
one has to use these secrets before understanding the problem and without a
medical opinion” (“Nessuno
dunque metta in pratica detti secreti prima di sapere quello che fa, pigliando
avanti parere da Medici”. (Figure 3) [10]. After these first considerations
some cosmetic and medical prescriptions are reported, just to understand the
level of knowledge ranged during the XVII and XVIII century
The author precedes his formulations with a long preface on the condition necessary to the “Speziale” (Chemist/doctor) for formulating the medical/ cosmetic prescriptions (Figure 4) [10]. At this purpose and as reported on Figure 4, the author enquires himself about the knowledge the Medical doctor has to possess (i.e.“ Qual’e’ l’Ufficio dello Speziale?”) And therefore, which the many conditions have to be required to an expert doctor? (“Quante condizioni si ricercano al buon Speziale?) [10].
Figure 1: Meravilous “Secreti”
(secrets) of Fr.Domenico Auda (Book II) [10].
Figure 2: “L’autore a chi legge” The author for who is reading
(book II) [10].
Figure 3: The book introduction reported on page 2sd (Book II) [10].
Figure 4: The conditions requested to be considered an expert
“Speziale” [10].
Therefore, three conditions result comprised in two
words, such as necessary “conscience” composed by “con”(with) and “science”
Therefore, the expert “speziale” has to possess a good knowledge of the Latin
language, knowing spices, herbs and all the tools necessary to his office/lab
(“Tre condizioni si ricercano al buon Speziale, le quali si rinchiudono in
quelle due parole ,cioe buona conscienzia….si che lo Speziale deve esser
dotto…intendere bene la lingua latina…conoscere le droghe,herbe..& utensili
necessary per la speziaria”) [10]. It’s interesting to underline the author’
fear of God so the needs of the patient has to be considered just as the
personal ones (avendo lo Speziale buona conscienzia. havera’ il timor di Dio …e
fara le cose…come se le havesse da pigliar lui medemo”). Just as an example
some cosmetic and medical formulations are reported on Figure 5 and 6 by which
the same today skin problems we has been are focused. At this purpose Domenico
Auda advised the use of a special water for the skin’ redness and erythema due
to an excessive sun exposure. Formulations 2th and 3rd, such as Water for the
skin redness (“Acqua al rossore della faccia” and per “La cottura del Sole”)
were considered useful to solve both the problems as well as the formulation
4th, seems to be able to eliminate the pain of the breast.
Ancient
Cosmetic formulations (Figure 5).
Acqua
al rossore della faccia
Canfora, solfo, mirra di ciascheduno oncie meza,acqua
rosa oncie 3. pista le sopradette cose,e mescola assieme con l’acqua
e lavati la faccia ,che e una cosa meravigliosa ,e più
volte da me provata
Water for the face’ redness
Camphor, sulphur, myrrh half ounce.rose water ounce
3.pound and mix all together by water and wash your face,that is a wonderful
way, and for more times I gave a proof personally
Per
la cottura del sole
Acqua rosa onc. Due latte di donna onc.una sugo
d’agresta onc. mez.polvere d’incenso,dra.due,con un bianco di ova ben battuto
fa’ linimento,& ongiti quando vai a letto,& è provato
For the sun erythema
For the erythema sun-provoked Rose water ounce
two,women-milk ounce one.unripe grapes juice half ounce. incense powder drachma
two, with one white-egg well beaten .make a liniment & and smear skin
before going in bed. & it is proven.
Per
levare il dolore delle Zinne
Cimino polverizzato, mescola con miele caldo, &
applica sopra le zinne,subito leva il dolor e mirabilmente
To eliminate the pain of the breast
Passion fruit powder, mixes it with hot honey, &
apply on the breast, soon after the pain go away wonderfully.
Ancient Medical formulations (Figure 6) [10].
Rimedio
mirabile per la sciatica
Elettuario di sugo di rose,di prunus solutivo d’ognuno
dra.meza.polvere di hermodattili dra una.diagridio grani quattro.si formino
pillule da pigliar doppo mattutino:di poi di faccia ’infrascritto unguento..
R. Bache di ginepro, piretro, zenzero d’ogn’uno
dr.una,euforbia,castorio d’ogn’uno dra. meza, sapone dr.1.acqua vita da ongere
quanto basta per far unguento da ontar la sciatica
Admirable remedy for sciatica
Electuary of rose extract, thorn-apple half drachma,
powder of hermodactyls one drachma. diagridium grains four that, made in pills
have to be taken during the morning: soon after apply the reported ointment.
R. Juniperberries, pyrethrumpowder, gingerdra. One for
everyone, euphorbia, castoreum half dra. For everyone, soap one dra.acqua
sufficient to make ointment to apply on the sciatica.
It is interesting to underline that many of the
ancient ingredients are still in use today due to their scientifically proven
biological activities, while other are no longer utilized due to their
toxicity. For instance, juniper berries is used for their antibacterial,
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [10], euphorbia for antimicrobial
activity [11], glycyrrhiza glabra for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
activities [12], ginger oil for detoxing and antibacterial activities [13] and
so on. Meanwhile, the absence of heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium and
lead are constantly monitored, their use is limited, or they are removed from
the cosmetic formulations due to of their high toxicity and risks to human
health [14,15]. However, it is important to point out that the advancements in
biology and chemistry over the last twenty years have led to innovation in
formulations and delivery systems characterized first of all by an increased
knowledge and development of Nanotechnology and Bionanotechnology [16-19].
Consequently, more active ingredients and carriers have started to be used at
their micro-nanosized dimension. Nanotechnology, in fact, is an emerging area
of science, characterizing and involving engineering particles in the size
range between 20 and 100 nanometers (nm). Through the use of creative and
practical new carriers (vehicles), this dimension favours the cosmetics and
diet supplements (cosmeceuticals & nutraceuticals) effectiveness, enhancing
penetration and releasing of the active components at the level of the different
skin and mucous membrane layers [20-23]. Compared to trational carriers, the
modern “Nano-transporters are, in fact,a diverse array of vehicles which serve
the dual purpose of both protecting active ingredient payloads and improving
their delivery to the skin” [24].
For this reason, it is interesting to underline that,
thanks to the use of new technologies, the actual formulations are more
effective and safe, in comparison with the ancient ones [1-17]. For example,
the utilization of non-woven tissues as innovative vehicles for cosmeceuticals
and nutraceuticals has been proposed recently as novel carriers alternatively
to the actual emulsions [2-24]. These novel tissue vehicles, in fact, result differently
from the ancient and modern emulsions, being realized by natural polymers
embedded by active micro-nano active ingredients. Consequently, they have the
great advantage of being produced globally by biodegradable, natural raw
materials with a very low consumption of water, being also free of
preservatives, emulsifiers, colors, fragrances and other chemicals that are
often linked to allergic and sensitizing phenomena [2-27]. As a result, modern
technologies advanced year after year, have altered not only the features of
products, but also the way of producing and consuming through the advent of the
circular economy, retained essential to preserving both natural raw materials
and biodiversity of our planet for the future generations [28,29]. This new
economy, in fact, based on redesigning, reducing, reusing and recycling every
good,“ where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated”, gives the
tools to tackle climate change loss and cutting Greenhouse gas emissions and
pollution, contemporary addresses important economic and social benefits [29].
Therefore, the reduction of waste as well as the increase of wellness and
beauty became a top priority for consumers, who wish to maintain a healthy body
with a healthy diet and environment [20-27]. The healthy and youthful
appearance, in fact, has been and is the common desire of both aged and young
population who are using cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals. These innovative
products, involving and supporting the skin functions, are considered able to
reduce and reverse the signs of aging, including fine lines wrinkles and
pigmentary changes [20-27]. Thus, the link between wellness and beauty has
increased significantly among consumers and the scientific community,
considering significant the recovered relationship between dietary supplements
and skin appearance [20-30]. Consequently, it has born the so-called Beauty
from Within, based on the use of the same natural ingredients considered useful
for maintaining health and beauty from the inside out [29,30]. For this reason,
it is interesting to underline that the modern consumers are also looking for
scientifically correct and natural- oriented cosme-nutraceuticals made by the
same “conscienza” used by Domenico Auda in the year 1716 [2-36]. They, in fact,
are showing the same great attention on health, overall health and healthy
lifestyle obtainable by the use of the monk’“holistic”self-care [10-32].
Over the last five hundred years, the integration of
cell biology, material science and biomechanics has significantly accelerated
the development of biomedical tissue engineering. This is attributed partially
to a deeper understanding of nanotechnology and bio nanotechnology [17,18]. By
these innovative technologies it has been possible to facilitate the repair of
skin and other organs by the so-called tissue engineered regenerative medicine
(TERM), also if it seems necessary to have a better understanding of where
beauty fits into the wellness picture [17-37].
Is beauty a real component of life and happiness?
For this purpose, genomics, proteomics, tissue
engineering, biomaterials and other more recent technological trends such as
immersive reality, cloud and edge computing and quantum computing, have been
notably developed in the last 30 years [28], while were completely unknown to
our ancestors. The development of the previously reported novel tissue-carriers
were made by sustainable technologies innovative polymeric films, tissues skin-
and environmentally friendly could be included in this innovative category of
products. Therefore, these tissues might be considered more effective delivery
systems able to facilitate wound healing processes and innovative
beauty/surgical masks [38-44]. Consequently, all medical, cosmetic and dietetic
formulations (i.e. for example cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals) have been
completely modified to obtain effective, safe and healthy products ,thanks to
the progress obtained by the involvement of thousand & thousand scientists
working worldwide in many R&D studies. In conclusion wellness, defined
today “the active pursuit of activities, choosing a few lifestyles that lead to
a state of holistic health”, has been able to range a global wellness economy
“at USD 5.6 trillion in 2022 amidst the chaos and disruptions caused by
COVID-19 (Figure 7) [45]. In conclusion, technological progress has given the
possibility to obtain cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals that, in comparison to
ancient products, are known for their great efficacy and safety. However, many
of the ancient raw materials and active ingredients are being used today,
mixing modern technology into conventional formulas and treatments with the
ultimate aim to range the same holistic health and global beauty, searched for
centuries from the human community. The spiritual wellbeing, connecting purpose
and love and learned from nature and ancient practices has to be considered
equally important as quantum physics and the new science-integration
technology. Unfortunately, the way of producing and consuming of the modern
society, based on the taking, making and producing waste by the so-called
linear economy, should be urgently changed by the circular economy based on
redesigning, reducing, reusing and recycling possible at zero waste [29]. In whole
on the one side, the industrial revolution of the last two centuries has
notably ameliorated the global health and beauty appearance, on the other side
it is also the main cause of the general and plastic waste that, invading
oceans and lands, has provoked and caused the worldwide increase of the
greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide and methane) with the consequential
global temperature increase, disasters and a shift in the planet biodiversity
[46,47]. Therefore and accounting to the principles of regenerative organic
agriculture [48,49], it is considered important and urgent to restore the
resources of our planet, exploited for too long time. Thus, according to the
ancient “holistic” and more healthy way of living, it became urgent to change
our way of producing and consuming, trying to obtain biodegradable active
ingredients, polymers and packaging materials from the actual organic waste, to
safeguard the natural raw materials and the planet’ biodiversity for the future
generations [50,51].
Writing-original draft preparation PM; writing review
and editing PM, PV, HDC; supervision PM, PV, HDC. All the authors have read and
agree to the publishing version of the manuscript.
Institutional review
board statement
Not applicable
Informed consent
statement
Not applicable
Data availability
statement
Not applicable
The authors declared no conflict of interest.