List of patent medicines

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Patent medicines, also known as proprietary medicines or nostrums, are commercial products advertised and sold with the promise of curing various ailments, despite often lacking scientific evidence for their efficacy. Originating in the 18th century, these products were called "patent" because they were marketed under a government patent that ostensibly offered some form of protection or endorsement of the product. However, most were not patented in the modern sense of the word but were instead trademarked, allowing their formula to remain secret and their marketing to include broad claims of health benefits.

History[edit | edit source]

The history of patent medicines goes back to the 18th century in both the United States and the United Kingdom, where they became widely popular. These products were typically sold over the counter and were aggressively marketed through newspapers, flyers, and later, radio and television. The claims made by these medicines were often unfounded and sometimes dangerous. The era of patent medicines is marked by a lack of regulation, allowing for the widespread sale of products without proof of safety or efficacy.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

The regulation of patent medicines began in earnest in the early 20th century. In the United States, the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was the first significant legislation aimed at regulating these products, requiring accurate labeling of ingredients. This act was followed by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938, which required new drugs to be proven safe before selling. Similar laws were enacted in other countries, leading to a decline in the popularity of patent medicines.

Common Patent Medicines[edit | edit source]

Several patent medicines were widely sold and are still known today, often for their historical value rather than their medicinal properties. Some of these include:

Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound - Marketed primarily to women for various female complaints.
Hostetter's Stomach Bitters - Advertised as a cure for stomach ailments.
Sarsaparilla - Promoted for its supposed blood purifying properties.
Snake Oil - Became synonymous with fraudulent health products and schemes.

Criticism and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Patent medicines have been criticized for their misleading claims, lack of scientific evidence, and sometimes harmful ingredients. The legacy of patent medicines is seen in the modern dietary supplement industry, which, while regulated more strictly than patent medicines were, still faces challenges regarding claims and efficacy. The history of patent medicines underscores the importance of regulation and scientific evidence in the marketing and sale of health products.