Humans have produced medicine from plants and other organisms for centuries, hence pharmacognosy being commonly considered the oldest brand of pharmacy. There is 5000-year-old evidence of medicine production on Sumerian clay from Nagpur, and around 12 ancient medicinal recipes have been found with plant ingredients such as poppy and mandrake, which is a Mediterranean plant in the nightshade family.

The production of drugs from plants is also referenced in many ancient texts. Through the ages, information has been discovered which refers to humans making medicines from garlic, mustard, cabbage, parsley, and mint.