What was the first pharmacological work in ancient China

The first pharmacological work in ancient China was the Shennong Ben Cao Jing.

Shennong Ben Cao Jing, also known as Ben Cao Jing or Ben Jing, is one of the earliest systematic pharmacological works in ancient China, and one of the earliest classics of herbal medicine in ancient China. It recorded the resources of herbs, drug properties, medicinal values, and medication for diseases in ancient China, and became one of the most important texts of ancient Chinese medicine and pharmacology.

The Shennong Ben Cao Jing (神农本草經) was compiled by Shennong, a legendary founder of agriculture in ancient China and one of the founders of Chinese medicine. It is rumored that the Shennong Ben Cao Jing was first created around 2800 BC, making it a very ancient work. The book*** is divided into 18 volumes and contains 365 herbs, categorized according to their properties and efficacy.

Significance of Shennong Ben Cao Jing:

Shennong Ben Cao Jing played an important role in promoting the development of pharmacognosy and Chinese medicine in ancient China. It systematically summarized the uses and therapeutic effects of herbs, and put forward the theoretical basis for treating diseases with herbs, laying a solid foundation for later Chinese medicine. The Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica had a profound influence on later works on pharmacology and clinical practice, and was widely quoted and studied by later generations of medical practitioners.

The Shennong Ben Cao Jing is regarded as a classic work of ancient Chinese pharmacology, and is of great significance to the understanding of the history and tradition of ancient Chinese pharmacology and Chinese medicine. It is an important milestone in the study and development of Chinese medicine and one of the precious legacies of ancient Chinese medical wisdom and culture.