Why do we love medicines so much? An evolutionary perspective on the human love of pills, potions and placebo

EMBO Rep. 2010 Aug;11(8):572-8. doi: 10.1038/embor.2010.108. Epub 2010 Jul 16.

Abstract

Humans have an irrational desire for medicines. The authors explain that this ‘pharmophilia' could have evolutionary roots and may have a profound impact for public health policies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Drug Industry
  • Extinction, Biological
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Love*
  • Medicine, Traditional
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations* / economics
  • Placebos*
  • Plants, Medicinal

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Placebos