Medieval potion hope for slimmers

EDINBURGH - An 800-year-old potion used by medieval monks to curb the appetite could soon tempt the tastebuds of modern-day dieters.

Archaeologists investigating an ancient hospital site founded by Augustinian monks about 845 years ago have found evidence that they used to chew on the bitter vetch plant to stave off hunger pains.

Now the component of the plant that suppresses appetite could be turned into a wonder pill for dieters.

Experts identified the remains of tubers from the plant in the drains of a 12th century monastery at Soutra Aisle, south of the Scottish capital.

The monks, who used to run the retreat as a hospital and medical research facility, are believed to have used the plant extracts to make a potion to stave off hunger.

"According to more than 300 reports, these tiny tubers, which have a leathery liquorice taste, were chewed to help people forget to eat and drink," said Brian Moffat, the director of the Soutra Aisle dig. "They feel no need to eat and drink and this lasts for weeks, sometimes into months."

The managing director of Highland Natural Products, Richard Constanduros, said it was "very early days" in the plan to produce a new dieting aid.

The monastery was founded in about 1160 and was dedicated to looking after the poor, travellers and pilgrims, as well as the sick and infirm.

The monks have been credited with recognising the benefits of blaeberries in the treatment of cryptosporidium food poisoning, the value of juniper berries for inducing childbirth and the effect of hemlock as an anaesthetic.

Other evidence found at Soutra has indicated that the monks also knew how to amputate limbs, make surgical instruments, stop scurvy and even cure hangovers.

Fragments of pottery vessels contained traces of medicines, such as an analgesic salve made from opium and grease and treatment for parasitic and intestinal worms.

Scientists also discovered quicklime (calcium oxide), which they believe was used as a disinfectant and a deodorant.

Moffat said the monks' knowledge was so great it could be used to influence medicine today.

"These medieval brothers knew what to do. They knew more about plants than anyone alive today," he said.

- INDEPENDENT