The historical analysis of aspirin discovery, its relation to the willow tree and antiproliferative and anticancer potential.
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.
School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, PO Box 911, Cardiff, CF10 3US, UK. mahdijg@cf.ac.uk
J G
JG
Mahdi
A J
AJ
Mahdi
A J
AJ
Mahdi
I D
ID
Bowen
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001592:Benzyl Alcohols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005960:Glucosides; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D032108:Salix / Q000737:chemistry*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D001592:Benzyl Alcohols; D005960:Glucosides; C005696:salicin; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D001241:Aspirin