From “Circe's Root” to “Spongia Soporifera”: The Role of the Mandrake as True Anesthetic of Ancient Times

Several ancient authors cited mandrake as a powerful and well-known narcotic drug: from Homer to Dioscorides, from Plato to Aristotle, passing from Hippocrates, Demosthenes, Theophrastus, Celsus, and Apuleius. Their detailed studies included the concrete appearance of the plant, the related recipes including mandrake as essential ingredient, the right dosages, how to administer the obtained medication, and the possible collateral effects. Even in the Middle Ages, the success of this root continued: Isidore of Seville, Theodoric of Cervia, Gilbertus Anglicus, and William from Varignana extensively reported their researches on sponges soaked with mandrake juice, which were used before surgical interventions as soporific tools. This article represents a travelogue among ancient ages to discover the anesthetic properties of the mandrake.