Aspirin-The good old magic pill

For ages aspirin has been used as a painkiller, from chewing the leaves of the willow of the wild to administration of the present day refined pharmaceutical product. This simple molecule has remained the Doctor's magic pill and more wonder uses are still only slowly being uncovered.

Aspirin is known for its inhibitory effects on cyclo-oxygenase; an enzyme that produces prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane, which are mediators of inflammation and clot maturation( platelet aggregation)

But other uses seem to stem from its effects outside the inflammatory pathway. Aspirin uncouples oxidative phosphorylation. It is now known to possess anti-proliferative property, which is key in preventing the growth of cancer cells or other wart-like lesions of the body. In this wise, it has been advocated for the treatment of colo-rectal cancer and it has long been used to treat acne. It is useful in preventing plaque build-up in arteries; and in impending thrombotic stroke or heart attack it can be used to abort the havoc by its vasodilation and anti-clotting properties combined.

Dr. Oliver Verbe Birnso

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