Patent medicines, marketed with promises to cure cancer and heart disease,
A patent medicine, also known as a proprietary medicine or a nostrum (from the Latin nostrum remedium, or "our remedy") is a commercial product advertised to consumers as an over-the-counter medicine, generally for a variety of ailments, without regard to its actual effectiveness or the potential for See more. The term "patent medicine" traces back. Patent medicines are commercial pharmaceutical products created and sold directly to the individual for self-medication. Despite the. They were most popular from the midth century to the early 20th century, before the advent of consumer protection laws and evidence-based medicine. A patent medicine, also known as a proprietary medicine or a nostrum is a commercial product advertised to consumers as an over-the-counter medicine, generally for a variety of ailments, without regard to its actual effectiveness or the potential for harmful side effects. The earliest patent medicines were created in the 17th century. Patent medicines were concoctions (elixirs, salves, balms, etc.) for which individuals received exclusive rights to sell for a given period of time. Patent medicines were available by mail or over the counter at chemists' shops. These individuals sold primarily patent medicines that promised to cure everything from cancer to the common cold. A patent medicine, also known as a proprietary medicine or a nostrum (from the Latin nostrum remedium, or "our remedy") is a commercial product advertised to consumers as an over-the-counter medicine, generally for a variety of ailments, without regard to its actual effectiveness or the potential for harmful side effects. These products appeared in . Patent medicines were products that claimed to cure a variety of common illnesses, including many, such as cancer and diabetes, that are still not curable. Cyclophosphamide, a drug to treat many malignant conditions, Some plants and plant products that have shown promise as anticancer agents are discussed.