Re: Did ancient man use antibiotics?

Meagan,

Yes, indeed, antibiotic properties of many molds and plant extracts were known to ancient cultures. Additionally, antiseptics were used by some Native American tribes to keep from infecting open wounds. European civilizations relied primarily on cauterization (burning the wounds closed) until sometime around the civil war.

A few examples:
"Cha-tiao-qi," the extract of the leaves of a Chinese plant (Acer ginnala) are used in the treatment of acute dysenteries. The major active ingredients have been identified and named the Ginnalins. these compounds are fairly potent antibiotics.

A second case comes from Africa, where twigs of Diospyros usambarensis are chewed to keep teeth clean and ward off mouth infections. You guessed it... The compounds in this plant are antibiotics against the bacteria which cause gingivitis!

I could not find any cases where cultures used molds, but I have read of this in the past. Your methods sounds suitable, but be careful handling the rotting steak. Also, how do you visualize the decrease in bacteria? I would suggest placing the ground up meat in a test tube with a little water. Allow the bacteria to grow until the solution is slightly turbid when shaken. Add some of each mold to a test tube, and keep one out as a control. Figure out a way to test the turbidity the next day or several days after that, and compare the treated samples to the controls.

GOOD LUCK! If you want further information, look up "folk medicines" at your library or on the internet.

Dr. T