54. Which one of the following plant-derived molecules is widely used as an analgesic?
(1) Abscisic acid      (2) Salicylic acid
(3) Jasmonic acid    (4) Gibberellic acid

Correct answer: (2) Salicylic acid

Explanation:

• Salicylic acid is a plant-derived molecule widely used as an analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory agent. It is a precursor to aspirin, one of the most commonly used pain relief drugs worldwide.

• Abscisic acid is a plant stress hormone involved in drought response and seed dormancy but has no analgesic properties.

• Jasmonic acid is involved in plant defense and stress responses but is not used as an analgesic.

• Gibberellic acid promotes growth and seed germination, without analgesic effects.

Option-wise:

• (1) Abscisic acid — no analgesic role.

• (2) Salicylic acid — correct; plant-derived analgesic used in medicine and pain relief.

• (3) Jasmonic acid — no analgesic role.

• (4) Gibberellic acid — no analgesic role.

  Salicylic acid, obtained from willow bark and other plant sources, has been used medicinally for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation. Its derivatives, such as aspirin, continue to be vital in modern medicine for analgesic therapy.