AQA GCSE Biology 6 Views 1 Answers
From which plant does the painkiller aspirin originate?
From which plant does the painkiller aspirin originate?
Answered step-by-step
Aspirin, known scientifically as acetylsalicylic acid, is derived from salicylic acid, which is naturally found in several plants, most notably the willow tree (Salix species) and meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). Historically, willow bark has been used for thousands of years for its pain-relieving properties, with references to its medicinal use dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians and Egyptians.
Key Points on Aspirin’s Origin:
- Willow Bark: The active ingredient salicin, which is converted into salicylic acid, is present in the bark and leaves of willow trees. This compound has been recognized for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects since ancient times. For instance, Hippocrates is known to have recommended willow leaf tea for pain relief during childbirth.
- Meadowsweet: Another significant source of salicylic acid is meadowsweet, a plant that has also been used traditionally for its medicinal properties. The name “aspirin” itself derives partly from Spiraea, the genus to which meadowsweet belongs.
- Chemical Development: Although aspirin does not occur naturally in these plants, the extraction and synthesis of salicylic acid from them laid the groundwork for the development of aspirin. In the late 19th century, chemists began to modify salicylic acid to create acetylsalicylic acid, which was less irritating to the stomach than salicylic acid itself
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