According to writers of the Journal of clinical Investigation at the Yale University, aspirin could prevent liver damage caused by paracetamol and heavy drinking.

The tests, which were carried out on mice, showed that after an overdose of paracetamol, aspirin interfered with a chemical pathway that triggered the damaged inflammation within the organ.

However, this has not yet been proven to help human beings, according to the British Liver Trust.

They say that rates of liver cirrhosis have risen in the UK over the last few years as more and more people are turning to alcohol.

Cases of both deliberate and accidental paracetamol overdoses have also been on the rise, accounting for over 100 deaths per year in Britain.

Leader of the study, Dr Wajahat Mehal, said: "Many agents, such as drugs and alcohol can cause damage to the liver, and we have discovered two ways to block a central pathway responsible for this type of injury.

Our strategy is to use aspirin on a daily basis, in order to prevent liver damage, however, if it occurs, we will then use TLR antagonists to treat it.

This offers the exciting possibility of reducing a large amount of pain and suffering in patients with liver disease, using a fresh and practical approach."

?

Despite this, it?s important to remember that nothing has yet been clinically proven to protect the liver from alcohol and paracetamol abuse. Always consult your doctor before taking aspirin if you know you are going to use it for more than a few days.