Willow bark extract is a natural extract derived from willow trees containing salicin, a compound metabolized to salicylic acid in the body, similar to aspirin. It is primarily used for pain relief an...
Willow bark extract is a natural extract derived from willow trees containing salicin, a compound metabolized to salicylic acid in the body, similar to aspirin. It is primarily used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory purposes, particularly for conditions like back pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches. While generally considered safe for short-term use in adults, it can cause gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and increase bleeding risk. It is not recommended for children or adolescents due to the potential risk of Reye's syndrome. Dosage varies depending on the salicin content of the extract. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before use, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
60-240mg salicin daily, typically from a willow bark extract containing 15-25% salicin.
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Willow bark extract is derived from the bark of several varieties of willow trees, most commonly *Salix alba*. The bark is harvested, dried, and then processed to extract the active compounds, primarily salicin. The extract can be further processed to increase the concentration of salicin or standardized to a specific salicin content.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Pain relief aims to reduce physical discomfort from injury, inflammation, or underlying conditions by blocking pain signals, reducing inflammation, or altering pain perception, thus improving quality of life. It allows individuals to perform daily activities with more comfort.
Reduces inflammation throughout the body, addressing the root cause of many diseases. Modulates inflammatory pathways and promotes tissue healing.
Undenatured collagen type II may alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain in joints. It potentially works by modulating the immune response in the gut.
Possible Side Effects
Gastrointestinal upset involves a variety of digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may indicate an underlying condition if persistent.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Increased bleeding risk occurs due to interference with blood clotting, potentially leading to prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, or internal bleeding. This risk is amplified by anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications or pre-existing bleeding disorders.
Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition causing brain and liver swelling, potentially fatal, primarily affecting children recovering from viral infections and theoretically linked to willow bark extract due to its salicin content, similar to aspirin.
Scientific Evidence
Vlachojannis, J., Magora, F., & Chrubasik, S. (2009). Willow bark extract for pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. *Phytotherapy Research*, *23*(6), 779-781. ; Shara, M., & Stohs, S. J. (2015). Efficacy and safety of white willow bark (Salix alba) extract supplements. *Phytotherapy Research*, *29*(8), 1112-1116. ; Chrubasik, S., Eisenberg, E., Balan, E., Weinberger, T., Luzzati, R., & Conradt, C. (2000). Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. *Pain*, *85*(3), 289-293.
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