Objective:

To contextualize a medical prescription of the early 19th century in the New Kingdom of Granada, in which guaco was prescribed to reduce symptoms caused by musculoskeletal system disorders, which were ill-defined at the time. Similarly, based on current knowledge, to analyse the manner in which the formula acts on pathophysiological mechanisms of rheumatic diseases, in order to explain the reduction of pain, and associated sequelae.

Material and method:

Documentary research into the Cipriano Rodríguez Santamaría Historical Archive of the Octavio Arizmendi Library of the University of La Sabana, in Chía, Colombia. The document analysed was called Rheumatism. Subsequently, a review of the literature was carried out in Science Direct / Clinical Key / Scielo databases in the period from 1999 to 2018.

Conclusions:

There is scientific evidence that supports the efficiency of guaco used in the Kingdom of New Granada due its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, a vague description of the dosage of the guaco, signs, symptoms, and comorbidities, which are not mentioned in the prescription, hinders the understanding of its application and the thorough effectiveness of the treatment in order to control the symptoms of musculoskeletal system conditions. This tradition, consequently, lacks proper scientific support for the medical treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

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