Salicylic acid Salicylic acid Salicylic acid (from Latin "salix", "willow tree") is a lipophilic monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid, and a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). It has the formula CHO. This colorless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone. It is derived from the metabolism of salicin. In addition to serving as an important active metabolite of aspirin ("acetylsalicylic acid"), which acts in part as a prodrug to salicylic acid, it is probably best known for its use as a key ingredient in topical anti-acne products. The salts and esters of salicylic
Medicine in the medieval Islamic world include "A Dissertation on the causes of the Coryza which occurs in the spring when roses give forth their scent", a tract in which al-Razi discussed why it is that one contracts coryza or common cold by smelling roses during the spring season, and "Bur’al Sa’a" ("Instant cure") in which he named medicines which instantly cured certain diseases. "Ibn Sina", more commonly known in west as Avicenna was a Persian polymath and physician of the tenth and eleventh centuries. He was known for his scientific works, but especially his writing on medicine. He has been described as the "Father of