Vitamin C: A Pillar of Medicine through the Ages. For centuries, humans have relied on natural remedies, and one of the most significant is vitamin C. Today, ascorbic acid supplements are everywhere, but vitamin C’s journey through history is long and fascinating. From ancient pine needle teas to modern immune-boosting supplements, this essential nutrient has a rich past. Indeed, its story blends ancient traditions and modern science, showing how humans once unknowingly tapped into its power.
Early Civilizations and Natural Extraction
Long before scientists identified vitamin C, ancient cultures were already benefiting from it. Indigenous populations used vitamin C-rich plants to treat illnesses, especially in regions where fresh fruits were scarce.
While they didn’t know the chemical behind it, they understood its healing properties.
“The bark of this tree, when boiled, will remedy the scurvy.” — Early explorer
In Europe, people also used wild herbs like sorrel and watercress for similar purposes. These plants were frequently used to treat colds and other ailments. Additionally, Nicholas Culpeper, a 17th-century herbalist, claimed:
“Watercress cleanses the blood and strengthens the body.” — Nicholas Culpeper
Consequently, these early remedies showed how people intuitively utilized natural sources of vitamin C.
Scurvy and Sailors: The Citrus Solution
Scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, plagued sailors on long voyages. Since fresh produce was often unavailable for months, sailors suffered from bleeding gums, fatigue, and other severe symptoms. In the 16th century, some sailors began to notice a connection between citrus fruits and the prevention of scurvy.
Long before this, the Chinese navy packed dried oranges for long voyages, recognizing their health benefits. Likewise, Vikings ate cloudberries and other wild fruits to stay healthy during their sea journeys. These natural remedies, though based on tradition, were effective in preventing scurvy.
In 1747, James Lind famously conducted scurvy trials. He gave citrus fruits to some sailors and noticed that their health improved rapidly.
“I ordered two oranges and one lemon to be given to each sick man, and they recovered surprisingly fast.” — James Lind, Treatise of the Scurvy
This work eventually led to the widespread use of citrus fruits in naval medicine, marking a turning point in the fight against scurvy.
Pre-Modern Extraction Methods
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, extraction methods for vitamin C also saw great improvements. Before its isolation, herbalists and apothecaries continued to use vitamin C-rich plants in teas, tinctures, and tonics. As a result, they boiled herbs or steeped them in alcohol to create remedies rich in vitamin C.
In particular, Indigenous groups in Canada made a drink from the bark and leaves of the white cedar tree. This vitamin C-rich remedy helped French explorers like Jacques Cartier, who noted:
“Our people were miraculously healed through the juice of this tree.” — Jacques Cartier
Such early extraction practices laid the foundation for later scientific discoveries.
The Scientific Breakthrough: Ascorbic Acid
The major leap in vitamin C’s history occurred in the 20th century. Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi isolated a substance he called “hexuronic acid” in 1928.
“It was a case of stumbling upon something, only to find it had far greater significance.” — Albert Szent-Györgyi
This discovery, later renamed ascorbic acid, was recognized as the substance that prevented scurvy.
His work revolutionized medicine. For the first time, scientists could study and synthesize vitamin C, making it far more accessible. Consequently, concentrated vitamin C supplements were soon available, allowing for the treatment and prevention of vitamin C deficiency on a larger scale.
Modern Medical Uses of Vitamin C
Once scientists isolated vitamin C, its potential applications rapidly expanded. Nobel Prize-winning chemist Linus Pauling popularized the idea of using high doses of vitamin C for everything from colds to cancer.
“High doses of vitamin C will greatly improve health.” — Linus Pauling
While his claims remain debated, vitamin C’s role in boosting immune function is well-established.
Vitamin C plays a critical role in supporting white blood cell function and improving skin health by promoting collagen production. Moreover, its antioxidant properties have made it a popular ingredient in skincare products. In cardiovascular health, vitamin C supports blood vessel function, which is why it’s often used in preventive care.
Today, vitamin C is available in various forms, ranging from tablets to intravenous doses used in hospitals. As a result, its role in modern medicine is broad, benefiting immune health, skincare, and heart health.
The Journey of a Timeless Remedy
Vitamin C has come a long way. From ancient herbal teas to modern supplements, its history is a testament to human ingenuity and nature’s power.
“Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” — Albert Szent-Györgyi
Vitamin C, once extracted from pine needles and fruits, now sits at the center of modern medicine.
References Vitamin C: A Pillar of Medicine through the Ages
Pauling L. Vitamin C and the Common Cold. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman and Co, 1970.
Lind J. A Treatise of the Scurvy. London, 1753.
Szent-Györgyi A. Studies on Biological Oxidation and Reduction. 1937.