Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a natural mono-hydroxybenzoic acid classified as a phenolic and beta hydroxy acid, with the chemical formula C₇H₆O₃ and IUPAC name 2-hydroxybenzoic acid[1][5][7]. It contains a carboxyl and a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring and is widely found in plants, where it acts as a hormone regulating growth and immune responses[4][6]. In medicine and pharmacy, salicylic acid is well known for its keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, and fungicidal effects and is commonly used in dermatology to treat acne, warts, and dandruff[3][5][7]. It is also the primary active metabolite of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)[5]. Mechanistically, salicylic acid inhibits prostaglandin synthesis (mainly through cyclooxygenase gene suppression and NF-κB modulation) and reduces oxidative stress by binding iron and inhibiting reactive oxygen species[2][8]. It is not a receptor, enzyme, or canonical drug target, but rather a small-molecule effector; therefore, it does not fit standard definitions of a therapeutic "target" for drug action, but rather is itself an active substance or a metabolite of prodrugs such as aspirin[8][5].

Other names

2-hydroxybenzoic acidacidum salicylicumo-hydroxybenzoic acidbeta hydroxy acidBHA

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, modulation of NF-κB and cytokine gene transcription, keratolysis (promoting skin cell turnover), binding and modulating carbonic anhydrases