H22 Barking up the right tree: history of quinine

Abstract Quinine is considered to be one of the most important medical discoveries 17th century through its use in treating malaria. Since then, applications have expanded, and quinine continues widely used drugs dermatology. found bark Cinchona tree jungles Andean region South America. The exact nature discovery remains unclear; however, there are tales Spanish Countess Chinchon being cured a recurring fever by using liquid containing bark. This prompted her return Spain 1638 with seeds precious bark; 1742, botanist Carl Linnaeus named honour. During early century, was ground into powder mixed wine. In 1820, French scientists Pierre Pelletier Joseph Caventou developed processes extract from bark, improving potency medicine. 19th as role malaria spread, Europeans British colonies started planting trees avoid importing large amounts drug. Owing bitter taste, sugar soda, creating first tonic water. water gin make bitterness more palatable. Winston Churchill claimed that this drink ‘saved Englishmen’s lives, minds, than all doctors Empire’ (Simonetti O, Contini C, Martini M. history Gin Tonic; infectious disease specialist long drink. When not ordered but prescribed. Infez Med 2022; 30:619–26). documented treat dermatological conditions produced Payne 1894, who reported successful treatment skin lesions discoid lupus erythematosus (Payne J. A postgraduate lecture on Clin J 1894; 4:223–9). 1951, case series Lancet 20 patients rheumatoid arthritis were successfully treated quinacrine, led extensive antimalarials joint (Page F. Treatment mepacrine. 1951; 258:755–8). later succeeded chloroquine: synthetic analogue synthesized 1930s Hans Andersag. However, it noted significant toxicities, which production hydroxychloroquine, similar drug much-improved side-effect profile. After 400 years, derivatives continue play major managing conditions.