Aspirin

Overview

Aspirin is an analgesic, pain reliver,  also classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Asprin is formed by the acetylation of the acetate ester of the hydroxyl group of synthetic Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid occurs naturally in Willow bark and leaves and in Meadowsweet flowers. 

The beneficial action of Aspirin is due to its function as a broad-spectrum Prostaglandin Inhibitor.  In addition to blocking detrimental Prostaglandins, Aspirin also blocks beneficial Prostaglandins.

Cardiovascular System

 Regular intake of small quantities of aspirin may reduce the mortality rate from, unstable, Angina by approximately 50%.  ^[1]

 Aspirin prevents abnormal Blood Clotting by blocking the Cyclooxygenase enzyme that produces the Prostaglandin E2 that is implicated in abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[2]

 However Aspirin also inhibits numerous beneficial Enzymes and Prostaglandins.

 Aspirin may help to prevent the venous thromboembolism form of Embolism.  ^[3]

 Aspirin can significantly reduce the mortality (death rate) from Heart Attack Heart Attack patients are advised to administer 325 mg Aspirin as soon as the Pain of a Heart Attack becomes evident - Aspirin operates very quickly, within 60 minutes, to inhibit the platelet aggregation that occurs during Heart Attack. Patients who receive Aspirin within two hours of the onset of the chest Pain that accompanies a Heart Attacks have a 16% reduction in mortality compared to those who receive Aspirin within five to twleve hours of the onset of chest Pain.  ^[4]

 Aspirin (100 mg per night) may lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients (note that Aspirin taken during the day-time has no effect on Blood Pressure).  ^[5]

 Aspirin may reduce the risk of Stroke:  ^[6]

 Researchers have determined that the optimal dosage of Aspirin for the prevention of Stroke is between 75 mg and 300 - 325 mg per day.  People with a low risk of Stroke or who have increased risk of Gastrointestinal bleeding are advised to use 75 mg per day, while people with a very high risk of Stroke are advised to use 300 - 325 mg per day.

Digestive System

 Aspirin may help to prevent Gallstones.  ^[7]

Eyes/Vision

 Aspirin may help to prevent Cataracts - Aspirin inhibits the glycation (Cross-Linking of endogenous Proteins) that is a causative factor in the development of Cataracts:  ^[8]

 Epidemiological evidence shows that people who have used Aspirin on a daily basis for four months or longer have a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of Cataracts.

Immune System

 Aspirin may help to prevent some types of Cancer:  ^[9]

 Aspirin may help to prevent Cancer - Breast.  ^[10] 
 Aspirin has been shown to be associated with significantly decreased risk of Cervical Cancer. reference

 Aspirin (81 mg per day) may reduce the risk of Cancer - Colon (by inhibiting the production of Prostaglandin E2, activating Interferon Gamma and activating Interleukin 2).  ^[11]

 Aspirin (81 mg per day) may reduce the risk of Cancer - Esophagus.  ^[12]

 Aspirin may help to prevent Leukemia.  ^[13]

 Aspirin may help to prevent Cancer - Lung.  ^[14]

 Aspirin may help to prevent Cancer - Ovaries.  ^[15]

 Aspirin may help to prevent Cancer - Pancreas.  ^[16]

 Aspirin may help to prevent Cancer - Pharynx.

 Aspirin may inhibit Prostaglandin E2-induced proliferation of Cancer - Prostate cells (by inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme).  ^[17]

 Regular use of Aspirin may help to prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma.  ^[18]

 Aspirin (81 mg per day) may help to prevent Cancer - Stomach.  ^[19]

 Aspirin reduces Fever (by blocking the Cyclooxygenase enzyme that produces the Prostaglandin E2 that is implicated in Fever).

 Aspirin inhibits Inflammation (by inhibiting the production of Prostaglandin E2).  ^[20]

Metabolism

 Aspirin possesses Antioxidantsproperties.

 Aspirin may inhibit the Cross-Linking of the body’s endogenous Proteins (i.e. it inhibits glycosylation).  ^[21]