Understanding the Enzymes: What Enzyme Converts Aspirin to Salicylic Acid?
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3 min read
After oral ingestion, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is rapidly hydrolyzed into its main active metabolite, salicylic acid, a process so quick that aspirin's plasma half-life is only about 15–20 minutes. This conversion relies on a family of enzymes known as esterases, particularly the aptly named aspirin esterase.
