Abstract

In this review, it was aimed to investigate Sabuncuoğlu’s contributions to surgery and the anesthetic effects of almond (Amygdalus communis, Prunus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus) and Mandragora autumnalis plants in the mixture called murkid, which he used for anesthesia and analgesia during surgery, in terms of modern medical pharmacognosy. The surgical techniques that Sabuncuoğlu applied was investigated in the light of the literature in detail together with the mixture called Murkid. Using reference sources, it was investigated Sabuncuoğlu’s contributions to surgery and the anesthetic effects of almond (Amygdalus communis, Prunus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus) and Mandragora autumnalis herbs in the mixture called murkid, in terms of modern medical pharmacognosy. Murkid is a mixture that was discovered hundreds of years ago and was found to be very effective when evaluated during its time. However, it is toxic if the dose is not adjusted. Also it has dose dependent side effects such as blurred vision, headache, skin rash, vomiting, and tachycardia. Almond is considered to be from the Latin species “Amygdalus communis” in the “Rosaceae” family. Bitter almond seeds should not be consumed. The seed contains “laetrile” known as vitamin B17 and antitumor “taxifolin”. Its leaves are used in the treatment of diabetes. Sabuncuoğlu is a Turkish physician who successfully applied and transferred some of the surgical techniques and anesthesia practices used today from centuries ago, far ahead of his time. There is a need for studies on the use of the active ingredients contained in Murkid in the field of anesthesia in modern medicine.