The Uncertain Origins of Aspirin
7 hours ago
- #NSAIDs
- #medical history
- #pharmaceuticals
- The history of aspirin's origins is uncertain, with myths suggesting ancient use of willow bark for pain and fever relief.
- Historical claims about Hippocrates prescribing willow bark tea lack direct evidence from primary sources.
- Willow bark contains salicin, which converts to salicylic acid in the body, similar to aspirin's active compound.
- The effectiveness of willow bark tea is questionable due to low salicin concentration and bitter taste.
- Reverend Edward Stone in 1763 documented the first known use of willow bark powder to treat fever, without historical precedent.
- Salicin was isolated in the 19th century, leading to the synthesis of salicylic acid and eventually aspirin.
- The synthesis of aspirin by Felix Hoffman in 1897 is credited, but controversy exists over Arthur Eichengrün's role due to Nazi-era erasure.
- Aspirin's popularity surged after its cardiovascular benefits were proven in the 1988 ISIS-2 trial.
- Other NSAIDs were developed later, with ibuprofen emerging as a popular alternative due to fewer side effects.
- The article emphasizes the importance of referencing sources to distinguish between scientific fact and mythology.