Pedanius Dioscorides
"L. officinalis" was used by the Ancient Greeks to treat consumption (tuberculosis) according to the writings of Pedanius Dioscorides in 65 AD, and by some indigenous people to treat smallpox. The presence of Agarikon at burial sites may indicate that its use was once widespread. The species epithet "officinalis" denotes an organism associated with herbalism or medicine.