Page 6 - BBC - The Scientific Guide to a Healthier You

Pain killer

Is it an alien landscape? Modern art? Rare
mineral? Actually, none of the above. This
colour-enhanced image is a close-up of
aspirin crystals, which have been magnified
hundreds of times.
Aspirin has been used for over a century
to treat pain, reduce fever and prevent heart
disease. More recently, it has even been
known to reverse tooth decay and decrease
the risk of certain types of cancer.
The main ingredient of modern aspirin –
acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) – was first
synthesised in 1853. But the medical use of
its active component (salicylic acid) goes
way back. Found in plants (especially willow
trees) where it triggers processes such as
flowering and defence mechanisms against

disease, salicylic acid was extracted and
used as a natural painkiller by ancient
Sumerians, Egyptians, native Americans
and even by some Neanderthals.

PHOTO: WELLCOME IMAGES