Scientists have discovered that an ancient medicinal clay called Lemnian earth (LE) could inspire new ways to improve gut health.
This clay, used as a remedy for over 2,500 years, was once shaped into small pellets, stamped with a seal, and consumed with liquids like wine.
Now, researchers believe it may have been the world’s first medicinal pill and could offer insights into supporting gut health in the 21st century.
A team of researchers from the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and the Technical University of Crete investigated LE and found that its healing properties might result from a combination of specific clays and fungi.
Their findings, published in PLOS ONE, show that combining certain clays with beneficial fungi can produce bioactive compounds that positively affect gut bacteria, potentially supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
The research began with historical samples of Lemnian earth from the Basel University Museum of Pharmacy, dating back to the 16th–18th centuries.
The team found fungi in the samples that were absent in natural Lemnos clay, leading them to wonder if these fungi were intentionally added as part of the original recipe.
Dr. Effie Photos-Jones, the project’s lead investigator, explained that ancient texts mention a ritual involving wheat and barley, grains often infected with fungi during storage. This raised the possibility that ancient healers deliberately combined these grains and fungi with clay.
To test this idea, the researchers grew their own mixtures of fungi and clays—one smectite-rich and one kaolinite-rich—in a controlled environment. The resulting combination produced bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties.
The team’s experiments showed that the smectite clay and fungi combination had stronger antibacterial properties compared to other clays.
Tests on mice revealed that this mixture also positively influenced the gut microbiome, helping to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Professor Simon Milling from the University of Glasgow said, “Our 21st-century reimagining of Lemnian earth demonstrates that this ancient remedy could support modern gut health.”
The researchers identified bioactive compounds in the clay and fungi mixture using advanced analytical techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. They found that smectite clay amplified the active ingredients, enhancing its effects.
Professor Danae Venieri from the Technical University of Crete added, “The antibacterial activity of the clay and fungi combination was much stronger than expected, making it a powerful tool for gut health.”
This research highlights how ancient remedies can inspire new approaches to health care. Advances in microbiome research and analytical technology are helping scientists better understand how gut bacteria influence health and how they can be altered to prevent or treat diseases.
By unlocking the secrets of Lemnian earth, researchers hope to develop new therapies that combine natural materials with modern science to improve gut health and overall wellness. This ancient clay may soon provide solutions for modern challenges.
