Fun Fact
Willow Tree Medicine: Chemist Felix Hoffmann added a "chemical shield" to the willow's harsh acid, making it gentle on stomachs and creating the first aspirin!
Chapter 1
The willow tree and the birth of aspirin
Chapter 2
Cinchona bark and the fight against malaria
Chapter 3
Sweet wormwood and ancient Chinese remedies
Chapter 4
Madagascar periwinkle and the battle against cancer
YOUR GOAL
Master of Plants that changed medicine
Ch 1 · The willow tree and the birth of aspirin
artiteacher The Origin of Aspirin
Bark of the willow, bark of the willow, We turned it into aspirin now!
artiteacher Aspirin works by blocking the body's chemical distress signals that trigger pain and swelling.
artiteacher In 1897, a German chemist successfully modified willow bark's active ingredient to create modern aspirin.
Fun Fact
Willow bark power: Ancient Egyptians recorded using willow leaves to treat inflammation in the Ebers Papyrus around 1550 BCE.
Glossary
aspirin (noun)
A synthetic compound used medicinally to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation. In 1897, German chemist Felix Hoffmann synthesized a stable form of the medicine from willow compounds.
A synthetic compound used medicinally to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation. In 1897, German chemist Felix Hoffmann synthesized a stable form of the medicine from willow compounds.
Quiz
Which group of Native Americans historically used willow bark infusions to cure headaches and fevers?
Quiz
Which ancient Greek physician, active around 400 BCE, prescribed willow leaf tea for childbirth pain?
Quiz
What biological molecules does aspirin block to reduce pain and inflammation in the human body?
Quiz
In what year did German chemist Felix Hoffmann synthesize a stable form of acetylsalicylic acid?
Quiz
What active chemical compound in willow bark is the natural precursor to modern aspirin?
Quiz
Which Nobel Prize-winning scientist discovered how aspirin actually works in the body in 1971?
Quiz
Besides pain relief, what major cardiovascular benefit was aspirin discovered to provide in the late 20th century?