K. D. Rainsford

In recent years there have been a number of significant developments of natural products for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, pain and gastro-intestinal ulcers and inflammation. The volume covers some of these novel developments of natural products which are of current and future interest as therapies for the above-mentioned conditions. Most available volumes cover a wide range of biological and technicological aspects of natural products and their discovery, some involving synthesis and properties of chemical compounds. The difference in this volume is that the natural products have a focus on their therapeutic effects on pain, arthritic and gastrointestinal diseases. Some of the natural products covered are either at the experimental stage of development while others are well-established clinically-used products. Each has its own unique place in therapy.

Reviewing over a century of aspirin research and use, this book provides a comprehensive source of information on the history, chemistry, absorption in the body, therapeutic effects, toxicology, elimination, and future uses of aspirin. Highlighting the historical evolution of the salicylates and the commercial development of aspirin, it reviews the pharmacokinetics of the salicylates, ibuprofen, and paracetamol as a basis for understanding the biodisposition of these analgesic drugs. Leading specialists discuss the therapeutic role of aspirin in the prevention and treatment of thrombo-embolic diseases, its place along with non-acetylated salicylates in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and plain, and the potential applications for aspirin and related drugs as prophylactics for colon cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. They also present comparisons with other drugs used to treat pain and inflammation.With extensive data and literature covering a broad field, this is the definitive reference on the actions and applications of aspirin, salicylates, and related drugs.