Reader's Digest: UC grad's invention one of 'most trusted brands' in health

It was invented in the 1940s by UC chemistry graduate George Rieveschl. He graduated from UC with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a PhD in chemistry. It was at UC where he made his famous discovery of the antihistamine.

He later accepted a position as a faculty member before joining Parke, Davis & Co. to pursue regulatory approval and commercialization of his discovery.

Rieveschl returned to UC in 1970 to serve as vice president of research. He died in 2007 at age 91.

Benadryl is now a product of Pfizer. 

UC recognizes distinguished scientific research among faculty each year with an award given in Rieveschl's honor. He is also the namesake of Rieveschl Hall.

Rieveschl initially wanted to be a commercial artist, but enrolled at UC after failing to find a job in that field.

"If I had found an art job back in the 1930s, I would have taken it," Rieveschl told the Cincinnati Post. "It seemed like bad luck at the time, but it ended up working pretty well."

See the rest of Reader's Digest's most-trusted brands in health and wellness.