Open AccessThe historical analysis of aspirin discovery, its relation to the willow tree and antiproliferative and anticancer potential
Author(s) -
Mahdi J. G.,
Mahdi A. J.,
Mahdi A. J.,
Bowen I. D.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2006.00377.x
Subject(s) - aspirin , salicylic acid , salicin , pharmacology , biology , chemistry , traditional medicine , medicine , botany , biochemistry
. For several millennia, the willow tree and salicin have been associated with salicylic acid, the key precursor molecule that has contributed to the discovery of acetylsalicylic acid, traded as aspirin. These molecules have been shown to possess phyto‐ and chemotherapeutic activities as analgesic drugs. In recent decades, aspirin has become the focus of extensive investigation into antiproliferative and anticancer activities. The historical steps that led to the discovery of aspirin, and its antiproliferative and anticancer potential are highlighted in this review.