How Aspirin Changed Medicine Forever

Aspirin is unique because it was one of the first medicines humans learned how to make. The active ingredient in Aspirin is a compound called acetylsalicylic acid. But, before we found out how to make it, many healers would seek its natural source in the tree, White Willow (Salix alba). In fact, ancient Egyptians used the white willow to alleviate symptoms of fever and pain. It was until 1826 that the active ingredient in aspirin was isolated from the willow bark, it was later named ‘Salican’. Then the ability to synthesize organic compounds from inorganic materials sprung open the field of organic chemistry and later the making of aspirin. Watch the video above to learn more!