Salicyclic acid [C6H4(OCOCH3)COOH] is the essential ingredient in one of today's most widely used medications throughout the world. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent, an analgesic, an antipyretic, and topically as a keratolytic agent, an antiseptic and a fungicide. Originally derived from salicin, a glycoside found as a natural ingredient of several common plants, it is now prepared synthetically as acetylsalicyclic acid.
Question #1 - From what natural source growing in thickets along river banks would native California Indians have obtained this useful medicine?
Question #2 - In which modern over-the-counter medication commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction is synthetic salicyclic acid the active ingredient?
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