The enzyme acetylsalicylate deacetylase (EC 3.1.1.55) catalyzes the reaction
acetylsalicylate + H2O salicylate + acetate
This enzyme belongs to the family of hydrolases, specifically those acting on carboxylic ester bonds. The systematic name is acetylsalicylate O-acetylhydrolase. Other names in common use include aspirin esterase, acetylsalicylic acid esterase, and aspirin hydrolase.
References
Ali B, Kaur S (1983). "Mammalian tissue acetylsalicylic acid esterase(s): identification, distribution and discrimination from other esterases". J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 226 (2): 589–94. PMID6875867.
White KN, Hope DB (1984). "Partial purification and characterization of a microsomal carboxylesterase specific for salicylate esters from guinea-pig liver". Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 785 (3): 138–47. doi:10.1016/0167-4838(84)90138-9. PMID6704404.