Human nature has a built-in curiosity leading to voyages across the sea, flying into space, and for some scientists, in search of a cure for ailments.  This story unfolds with the history of an over-the-counter medication that may be in your medicine cabinet.

The discovery of acetylsalicylic acid, also known as ASA, began during the times of the Egyptian Pharaohs and their medicines made from willow and other salicylate-rich plants.

The next recording was with Hippocrates, circa 460 B.C. and 377 B.C.  Hippocrates, a Greek scientist and physician, is considered the “father of modern medicine.” He documented pain relief treatments such as using powder ground from parts of the willow tree and its leaves, which he used to treat headaches and reduce fever by making a tea.

Willow bark became known for its common use of inflammation, fever, and pain relief by the mid-eighteenth century.  In the 19^th century, scientists were experimenting with the active part of willow extract.

In 1853, Chemist Charles Frederic Gerhardt was the first person to produce acetylsalicylic acid.  It was later refined as time continued and Bayer was the first company to use the name aspirin in its sales.  It is important to human health because it is used as a preventative treatment for heart attacks, strokes, pain relief, fever, headaches, post-surgery for preventing blood clots, and for cancer prevention.

The Medical Frontier (original post appendix)