A bitter powder from the bark of a willow tree was first used by Hippocrates in the 5th century B.C., to treat aches and pains. Many centuries later, Felix Hoffman, an industrial chemist, synthesized the substance salicylic acid and in 1893 he developed a commercial process for its production. In 1897, Huffmans’ superiors at Bayer and Company named this product Aspirin. Now, about 20 billion tablets of aspirin are consumed in Britain each year.
Aspirin works by reducing the body’s production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are enzymes that influence the rate and direction of a chemical reaction. In trying to protect the body when cells have been damaged, prostaglandins trigger fever (by acting on brain centers) and swelling, prevent blood vessel dilation and increase the sensitivity of pain receptors.
Taking aspirin can relieve many of the effects of prostaglandins. It is used for temporary headache relief, muscular aches and pain, toothaches and arthritis. It is also effective in the treatment of fever and inflammation, and is known to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
