Aspirin: from the willow tree to the medicine cabinet

Willow Trees-Salix
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The leaves and bark of the willow tree have been used for thousands of years to treat ailments. Hippocrates (460 B.C. - 377 B.C.), the father of medicine, instructed his patients to chew on it to relieve their inflammation and fever.[1] The Indians made tea with the leaves of the willow bark and drank it to alleviate general aches and pains. They also used the leaves as part of a mixture of tobacco and other herbs and smoked it in pipes for ceremonial and relaxation purposes.[2][3] Willow bark contains salicin, an anti-inflammatory that when consumed is converted to salicylic acid, which acts to alleviate general aches and pains. Salicylic acid can cause irritation in the digestive tract and so in the 1800s, chemists discovered a way to convert this to a more user friendly chemical form, acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin.[4] Today, it is widely used as an analgesic for pain relief and for other health benefits.

Aspirin is a called a wonder drug because of its many and diverse beneficial health effects. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is highly effective in reducing pain. It also acts as a blood thinner by preventing cells (platelets) in the bloodstream from sticking together. This activity minimizes the formation of blood clots, which have the potential to obstruct blood vessels that may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin relieves headaches, controls fever, and reduces arthritic pain and also has anti-microbial properties. It controls staph infections by limiting the bacteria’s toxicity in the body and it also inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcer formation in the gastrointestinal tract.[5][6] Aspirin also has cancer inhibitory effects and reduces the risk of colon cancer.[7] Studies have also shown that regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The theory behind this is that Alzheimer's disease results from an inflammatory process in the brain and so if you take an anti-inflammatory you reduce the risk of getting the disease.[8]

Aspirin is an integral part of many skincare regimens as it promotes a healthy complexion. Salicylic acid promotes cell turnover and skin renewal and is used in cosmetic formulations. It is also used to treat acne. It does this by unclogging pores and removing the dead skin cells that build up inside of them thereby reducing irritation and inflammation. Aspirin is also used to rid the scalp of dandruff. Just drop a few uncoated tablets into your favorite shampoo and your dandruff is under control! Those bothersome flakes are no more! There are numerous testimonials to the beneficial effects of aspirin when it is used as a beauty treatment and to control skin conditions.[9]

Scientists have identified certain plants that also benefit from aspirin related compounds. Walnut trees produce methyl salicylate, a chemical form of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), when exposed to stressful conditions. Trees in walnut groves emit significant quantities of methyl salicylate into the atmosphere as a way to communicate with neighboring plants in their attempt to ward off the stress they are faced with. This method is used as a means to protect the plants from the potentially harmful effects of unfavorable weather conditions, pests, and other stresses. The methyl salicylate enhances their biochemical defense mechanisms and reduces the risk of potential injuries.[10]

But with the good, ultimately, comes the bad. Side effects of aspirin include alteration of hemostasis (which may result in hemorrhaging), gastrointestinal disturbances, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and bruising. Aspirin allergies can cause asthma attacks, sinus problems, and can trigger Reye’s syndrome in which inflammation of the liver can occur.[11] Studies also show that aspirin use (in specific doses) is linked to pancreatic cancer.[12] And, in its pure form, methyl salicylate produced from walnut trees (and other plants) is toxic, especially when taken internally. There are 7g of salicylate in a teaspoon of methyl salicylate, which is the equivalent of more than twenty three 300mg aspirin tablets. This can be fatal to humans. Methyl salicylate is also used in topical muscle pain relief products and care should be taken not to use it in excess. The body can absorb high doses of it resulting in harmful effects. In fact, it was reported in 2007 that a Staten Island high school track runner died due to the overuse, and consequential overdose, of a topical muscle pain reliever sports cream.[13]

Medical scientists tell us that the advantages of taking aspirin, however, far outweigh the disadvantages. An acceptable dosage for low dose aspirin is 81mg, which is one baby aspirin tablet. For folks over 40 years old, Dr. Mehmet Oz (cardiothoracic surgeon and Oprah’s friend) recommends two baby aspirin a day (half the amount of one regular aspirin). If you have a disease, allergies, or other concerns about using aspirin or the appropriate dosage of aspirin, however, ask your health professional first.

Nature has provided plants like the willow and walnut tree with chemicals that serve to protect the species. Our ancestors took it a step further by using the leaves and bark of the tree to treat aches and pains. Through the progression of time, we developed it even further and created a product that provides us with relief from ailments, is a source of prevention of various cancers and other diseases, and is highly effective as a skin and beauty treatment. It’s been a long journey for aspirin. One which began thousands of years ago as it made its way from the willow tree into our medicine cabinets!