Willow Bark

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become very popular in the treatment of several chronic diseases. Natural products as one of the CAM modalities offer potential opportunities to discover lead compounds for novel drug development. The use of CAM or natural products in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases is comparatively a newer area. METHOD: A structured online literature search for peer-reviewed research articles was conducted on the PubMed, Europe PMC, Medline and Google Scholar portals, using phrases: natural products for neurologic disorders, phytomedicine for neurodegenerative diseases, natural therapeutics for neurological symptopms etc. Results: The retrieved data showed the natural therapeutics with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory salutations evidently plays a crucial role in protecting neurons. Of these, the most promising are caffeine, trigonelline, shogaol, curcumin, resveratrol, baicalein, wogonin, ginsenosides, tanshinones, withanolides, picrosides, parthenolide, cannabinoids, Devil's claw and white willow bark, including Chinese formulations Renshen Shouwu and Shengmai San. Though several herbs and their active ingredients have been studied in laboratory and clinical settings, only a few have been investigated for their molecular mechanisms of action. Notably, despite the promising and safe therapeutic benefits of CAM/herbal medicines, there exists a possible risk when combining them with prescription drugs. As a result, many drugs have shown changes in blood pressure, hepatotoxicity, seizures etc. when combined with certain herbs. CONCLUSION: Certainly, extensive work is needed to make sure that patients should take a regimen of protective and restorative therapy under an experienced healthcare professional. This article updates on the current knowledge of promising natural products used in neurological disorders.

Comment in Semin Thromb Hemost. 2016 Apr;42(3):321-2. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1580086. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2016 Apr;42(3):323-4. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1580087. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Platelet activation and aggregation play a central role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Herbal medicines have been traditionally used in the management of CVD and can play a role in modifying CVD progression, particularly in platelet function, and have the potential of altering platelet function tests, as well as some coagulation parameters. Herbal medicines, such as feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, motherwort, St John's wort, and willow bark, were found to reduce platelet aggregation. In vitro studies show promise in the reduction of platelet aggregation for Andrographis, feverfew, garlic, ginger, Ginkgo, ginseng, hawthorn, horse chestnut, and turmeric. In addition, cranberry, danshen, dong quai, Ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, and St John's wort were found to have potential interactions with warfarin. Furthermore, St John's wort interacted with clopidogrel and danshen with aspirin. Therefore, repeat testing of platelet function and coagulation studies, particularly for patients on warfarin therapy, may be required after exclusion of herbal medicines that could have possibly affected initial test results. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of bleeding and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios (INRs) associated with use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients receiving warfarin. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal study. SETTING: An acute care, academic and research hospital in Canada. PATIENTS: A total of 171 adults who were prescribed warfarin anticoagulation therapy for an expected duration of at least 4 months after enrollment. INTERVENTION: Patients were asked to complete a 16-week diary by recording bleeding events and exposure to factors previously reported to increase the risk of bleeding and supratherapeutic INRs, including CAM consumption. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Prescription, medical, and laboratory records were reviewed. Risk factors for bleeding events and supratherapeutic INR (at least 0.5 units above the target range) were evaluated longitudinally by using generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling. Of the 171 patients completing a diary, 87 (51%) reported at least one bleeding event and 36 (21%) had a supratherapeutic INR. Seventy-three patients (43%) indicated they had used at least one CAM product previously reported to interact with warfarin. Warfarin use of less than 3 months' duration was the only statistically significant risk factor identified for supratherapeutic INR. The CAM therapies associated with an increased risk of self-reported bleeding included cayenne, ginger, willow bark, St. John's wort, and coenzyme Q(10). Use of more than one CAM while receiving warfarin was also a significant risk factor. Two CAMs were independently associated with an increased risk of self-reported bleeding: coenzyme Q(10) (odds ratio [OR] 3.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.88-7.24) and ginger (OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.42-4.24). Other risk factors significantly associated with increased bleeding included high target INR (2.5-3.5), diarrhea, acetaminophen use, increased alcohol consumption, and increased age. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CAM by patients receiving warfarin is common, and consumption of coenzyme Q(10) or ginger appears to increase the risk of bleeding in this population.

BACKGROUND: The dietary supplement willow bark, also known simply as willow, contains salicylates that may present a safety risk to people. Current regulations do not require willow bark to include any cautions on its label. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the absence or presence of label warnings related to salicylates contained in willow bark to ascertain whether a potentially dangerous lack of information exists. METHODS: The label of each willow supplement and willow-containing product was assessed for the presence or absence of 3 warnings: (1) aspirin allergy/sensitivity, (2) use of anticoagulants or "blood thinners," and (3) children with flu-like symptoms or Reye's syndrome. Products from pharmacies and health food stores were targeted and their labels analyzed. A compilation of the identified products was used to conduct a similar evaluation of warnings from their Web sites. RESULTS: A total of 58 willow bark-containing and 12 single-ingredient willow bark products were assessed. Of the 70 products evaluated, only 8.6% listed a warning. The warning regarding aspirin sensitivity was present on 4.3%, Reye's syndrome was 2.9%, and interactions with anticoagulants/"blood thinners" was 4.3%. One product was labeled as aspirin-free. Percentages were lower on Web sites. CONCLUSIONS: There is a dearth of information regarding potential safety risks on the labels of willow bark and willow bark-containing products. Combination products containing willow bark may pose a greater danger to at-risk patients based on their sheer volume. Counseling of patients who take dietary supplements can improve the situation; however, it may ultimately take improved requirements for dietary supplement labeling to fully address this problem.

Potential and documented interactions between alternative therapy agents and warfarin are discussed. An estimated one third of adults in the United States use alternative therapies, including herbs. A major safety concern is potential interactions of alternative medicine products with prescription medications. This issue is especially important with respect to drugs with narrow therapeutic indexes, such as warfarin. Herbal products that may potentially increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of warfarin therapy include angelica root, arnica flower, anise, asafoetida, bogbean, borage seed oil, bromelain, capsicum, celery, chamomile, clove, fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger ginkgo, horse chestnut, licorice root, lovage root, meadowsweet, onion, parsley, passionflower herb, poplar, quassia, red clover, rue, sweet clover, turmeric, and willow bark. Products that have been associated with documented reports of potential interactions with warfarin include coenzyme Q10, danshen, devil's claw, dong quai, ginseng, green tea, papain, and vitamin E. Interpretation of the available information on herb-warfarin interactions is difficult because nearly all of it is based on in vitro data, animal studies, or individual case reports. More study is needed to confirm and assess the clinical significance of these potential interactions. There is evidence that a wide range of alternative therapy products have the potential to interact with warfarin. Pharmacists and other health care professionals should question all patients about use of alternative therapies and report documented interactions to FDA's MedWatch program.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of herbal medicine for nonspecific low back pain (LBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many people with chronic LBP use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), visit CAM practitioners, or both. Several herbal medicines have been purported for use in treating people with LBP. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2006. METHODS: We searched numerous electronic databases up to September 2014; checked reference lists in review articles, guidelines and retrieved trials; and personally contacted individuals with expertise in this area. We included RCTs examining adults (over 18 years of age) suffering from acute, sub-acute, or chronic nonspecific LBP. The interventions were herbal medicines that we defined as plants used for medicinal purposes in any form. Primary outcome measures were pain and function. Two review authors assessed risk of bias, GRADE criteria (GRADE 2004), and CONSORT compliance and a random subset were compared with assessments by a third individual. Two review authors assessed clinical relevance and resolved any disagreements by consensus. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs (2050 participants) were included. Capsicum frutescens (cayenne) reduces pain more than placebo. Although Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw), Salix alba (white willow bark), Symphytum officinale L. (comfrey), Solidago chilensis (Brazilian arnica), and lavender essential oil also seem to reduce pain more than placebo, evidence for these substances was of moderate quality at best. No significant adverse events were noted within the included trials. CONCLUSIONS: Additional well-designed large trials are needed to test these herbal medicines against standard treatments. In general, the completeness of reporting in these trials was poor. Trialists should refer to the CONSORT statement extension for reporting trials of herbal medicine interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

BACKGROUND: Low-back pain (LBP) is a common condition and imposes a substantial economic burden upon people living in industrialized societies. A large proportion of people with chronic LBP use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), visit CAM practitioners, or both. Several herbal medicines have been purported for use in treating people with LBP. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2006. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of herbal medicine for non-specific LBP. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases up to September 2014: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Clinical Trials.gov, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Portal and PubMed; checked reference lists in review articles, guidelines and retrieved trials; and personally contacted individuals with expertise in this area. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining adults (over 18 years of age) suffering from acute, sub-acute, or chronic non-specific LBP. The interventions were herbal medicines which we defined as plants used for medicinal purposes in any form. Primary outcome measures were pain and function. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A library scientist with the Cochrane Back Review Group conducted the database searches. One review author contacted content experts and acquired relevant citations. We downloaded full references and abstracts of the identified studies and retrieved a hard copy of each study for final inclusion decisions. Two review authors assessed risk of bias, GRADE criteria (GRADE 2004), and CONSORT compliance and a random subset were compared to assessments by a third individual. Two review authors assessed clinical relevance and resolved any disagreements by consensus. MAIN RESULTS: We included 14 RCTs (2050 participants) in this review. One trial on Solidago chilensis M. (Brazilian arnica) (20 participants) found very low quality evidence of reduction in perception of pain and improved flexibility with application of Brazilian arnica-containing gel twice daily as compared to placebo gel. Capsicum frutescens cream or plaster probably produces more favourable results th

8. Phytother Res. 2009 Nov;23(11):1497-515. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3007. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of arthritis. Part I: Osteoarthritis. Cameron M(1), Gagnier JJ, Little CV, Parsons TJ, Blümle A, Chrubasik S. Author information: (1)School of Sport and Exer

Since ancient times preparations from Salix species have been used to alleviate pain. The aim of this study was to update the evidence of the effectiveness of willow bark products in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. OVID(MEDLINE), PUBMED, Silverplatter, and CENTRAL and manual searches were used to identify clinical trials investigating Salix preparations. Authors SC and JEV extracted the data independently and discussed disagreements. Seven manuscripts were identified, reporting four trials with confirmatory and four with exploratory study designs. Three manuscripts presented the same trial data: repetitious reports were excluded. One confirmatory and two exploratory studies indicate a dose-dependent analgesic effect not inferior to rofecoxib in patients with low back pain. In one exploratory and one confirmatory study conflicting results were achieved in participants with osteoarthritis. No significant effect was seen in a confirmatory study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but this study was grossly underpowered. All studies investigated ethanolic extracts with daily doses up to 240 mg salicin over periods of up to six weeks. Minor adverse events occurred during treatment. The review provides moderate evidence of effectiveness for the use of ethanolic willow bark extract in low back pain. Further studies are required to find out if treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis requires extract with higher doses than 240 mg salicin per day. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of herbal medicine compared with placebo, no intervention, or "standard/accepted/conventional treatments" for nonspecific low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Low back pain is a common condition and a substantial economic burden in industrialized societies. A large proportion of patients with chronic low back pain use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and/or visit CAM practitioners. Several herbal medicines have been purported for use in low back pain. METHODS: The following databases were searched: Medline (1966 to April 2003), Embase (1980 to April 2003), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 1, 2003), and Cochrane Complementary Medicine (CM) field Trials Register. Additionally, reference lists in review articles, guidelines, and in the retrieved trials were checked. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), using adults (>18 years of age) suffering from acute, subacute, or chronic nonspecific low back pain. Types of interventions included herbal medicines defined as a plant that is used for medicinal purposes in any form. Primary outcome measures were pain and function. Two reviewers (J.J.G. and M.W.T.) conducted electronic searches in all databases. One reviewer (J.J.G.) contacted content experts and acquired relevant citations. Authors, title, subject headings, publication type, and abstract of the isolated studies were downloaded or a hard copy was retrieved. Methodologic quality and clinical relevance were assessed separately by two individuals (J.J.G. and M.W.T.). Disagreements were resolved by consensus. RESULTS: Ten trials were included in this review. Two high-quality trials utilizing Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's claw) found strong evidence for short-term improvements in pain and rescue medication for daily doses standardized to 50 mg or 100 mg harpagoside with another high-quality trial demonstrating relative equivalence to 12.5 mg per day of rofecoxib. Two moderate-quality trials utilizing Salix alba (White willow bark) found moderate evidence for short-term improvements in pain and rescue medication for daily doses sta

BACKGROUND: Low-back pain is a common condition and a substantial economic burden in industrialized societies. A large proportion of patients with chronic low-back pain use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), visit CAM practitioners, or both. Several herbal medicines have been purported for use in low-back pain. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of herbal medicine for non-specific low-back pain. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field Trials Register (Issue 3, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to July 2005), EMBASE (1980 to July 2005); checked reference lists in review articles, guidelines and retrieved trials; and personally contacted individuals with expertise in this very specialized area. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials, examining adults (over 18 years of age) suffering from acute, sub-acute or chronic non-specific low-back pain. The interventions were herbal medicines, defined as plants that are used for medicinal purposes in any form. Primary outcome measures were pain and function. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors (JJG & MVT) conducted the database searches. One author contacted content experts and acquired relevant citations. Full references and abstracts of the identified studies were downloaded. A hard copy was retrieved for final inclusion decisions. Methodological quality and clinical relevance were assessed separately by two individuals. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials were included in this review. Two high quality trials examining the effects of Harpagophytum Procumbens (Devil's Claw) found strong evidence that daily doses standardized to 50 mg or 100 mg harpagoside were better than placebo for short-term improvements in pain and rescue medication. Another high quality trial demonstrated relative equivalence to 12.5 mg per day of rofecoxib (Vioxx). Two trials examining the effects of Salix Alba (White Willow Bark) found moderate evidence that daily doses standardized to 120 mg or 240 mg salicin were better than placebo for short-term improvements in pain and rescue medication. An additional trial demonstrated

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin), derived from salicylic acid in willow bark, is known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet properties. Beyond cardiovascular protection, increasing evidence suggests that ASA may reduce the risk of various cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer. In this study, the effect of ASA-treated prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1) on the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells was investigated. RWPE-1 cells were exposed to different ASA concentrations, and non-toxic concentrations were selected. Conditioned media (CM) from untreated and ASA-treated RWPE-1 cells were applied to PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while migration was evaluated using the wound-healing assay, and colony formation was also assessed. ASA at 50 μM showed no cytotoxic effect on RWPE-1 cells, while CM1 (ASA 50 μM) reduced PC-3 cell viability to 60%. Moreover, CM1 (ASA 50 μM) and CM2 (ASA 25 μM) significantly inhibited PC-3 cell migration. Comparing CM groups revealed that ASA exposure alters the secretome of prostate epithelial cells, thereby reducing cancer cell viability and motility. These findings suggest that ASA may serve as a promising chemopreventive and therapeutic agent for prostate cancer. © 2026 The Author(s). Cell Biochemistry and Function published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Background Propolis is a natural resinous substance produced by honey bees that possesses well-documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerative properties. Despite extensive investigation in dermatological wound healing, high-quality clinical evidence regarding its role in promoting oral soft-tissue healing following tooth extraction remains limited. Aim This study aimed to evaluate whether a commercial formulation containing propolis extract, clove oil, and white willow bark enhances soft-tissue healing following tooth extraction compared with standard postoperative care. Material and methods A prospective split-mouth controlled pilot study was conducted between September 2025 and April 2026. Thirteen patients requiring bilateral tooth extractions of similar surgical difficulty were recruited. Both extraction sites received identical postoperative care with saline mouthwash; the test site additionally received topical application of the commercial propolis-containing formulation. Soft-tissue healing was assessed using intraoral 3D scans at baseline (D0), day 7 (D7), and day 14 (D14), with surface area closure calculated as a percentage of baseline socket area. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) on days 1, 3, and 7. Linear mixed-effects models were used for inferential analysis. Results Twenty-six extraction sockets from 13 patients were analyzed at D7, and 24 extraction sockets from 12 patients were analyzed at D14 following one loss to follow-up. Socket closure increased significantly between D7 and D14 in both groups (p < 0.001). A significant main effect of treatment group was observed (p = 0.011), demonstrating greater overall socket closure in

INTRODUCTION: Acne is a common inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but most of the current treatments have side effects or drug resistance problems. This study developed a stable, self-emulsifying composite Microemulsion (PHS-ME) co-loaded with paeonol, honokiol and Salix alba (white willow) bark extract. METHODS: The formulation was optimized using Box-Behnken design. Physicochemical properties, centrifugation and storage stability (35 days at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C), in vitro drug release, cytotoxicity (HaCaT cells), cellular uptake, anti-inflammatory activity (LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells), and antibacterial efficacy against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. RESULTS: PHS-ME exhibited a uniform spherical morphology with a mean droplet size of 13.54 ± 0.35 nm, high encapsulation efficiency, and excellent physical stability. It showed sustained drug release, good biocompatibility (safe up to 8 µg/mL). Finally, PHS-ME significantly enhanced the cellular uptake of HaCaT and effectively inhibited the production of key inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the composite Microemulsion against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus for acne were the same, which were 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL respectively. DISCUSSION: This study proposes a simple and stable strategy for preparing composite Microemulsion. Due to its synergistic anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, these Microemulsions have great ind

During this phytochemical study, 13 compounds from the bark of Salix cinerea L. were isolated and their structures elucidated. These included two salicylic alcohol derivatives, one flavonol, two phenylpropanoids, two flavan-3-ols, two dimeric procyanidins, two dimeric prodelphinidins, and a unique ester of catechin (3-O-(1-hydroxy-6-oxo-2-cyclohexen-1-carboxylic acid), HCH-catechin). Furthermore, seasonal variations in the composition of Salix cortex regarding proanthocyanidins (PA) and the degree of polymerization were examined using NMR spectroscopy, revealing an increase in polymerization throughout the growing season 2020 associated with a consistent hydroxylation pattern in the B-ring. The isolated HCH-catechin was tested in vitro for its inhibitory effect on TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). A 24 h treatment with a 25 µM solution of HCH-catechin significantly reduced ICAM-1 expression (83.7 ± 3.2%) compared to unsubstituted catechin (97.9 ± 4.4%). Additionally, during a mass-spectrometric screening, numerous HCH adducts within the PA fraction could be identified, allowing for the proposition of a characteristic fragmentation pattern. This study establishes a foundation for a comprehensive assessment of the phenolic, PA-rich fraction in willow bark, particularly the occurrence of HCH adducts, which may contribute to the medicinal properties of Salicis cortex. Findings on seasonal variations and mass spectrometric profiling offer new insights into the quality standards for Salicis cortex

Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing global health challenge characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and progressive complications affecting multiple organ systems. Despite the widespread use of conventional antidiabetic therapies, oxidative stress and inflammation persist, contributing to the development and progression of diabetic complications. This therapeutic limitation underscores the need for novel adjunctive strategies, particularly those involving natural bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review critically evaluates the potential of salicin, a naturally occurring β-glucoside with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties predominantly derived from willow bark, in modulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways implicated in diabetic complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant experimental, translational, and clinical studies examining salicin and salicin-rich extracts in the context of diabetes and its complications. The current evidence suggests that salicin exhibits antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple molecular and cellular pathways, thereby collectively contributing to improved pathological and metabolic regulation. These biological activities support its potential role in mitigating diabetes-associated tissue damage and position salicin as a promising natural adjunctive candidate for managing diabetes-related complications. However, the majority of evidence originates from in vitro and animal studies, and well-designed clinical invest

The study aimed to assess the mitigation of negative impacts of heat stress (HS) by the willow bark (Salix mucronata Thunb.) powder (SWBP) or betaine (BET) as natural antioxidants on semen quality, blood biochemicals, and oxidative status in rabbit bucks. Under control conditions, forty mature NZW adult males were distributed into five groups of eight replicates. The 1st group fed the basal diet without any additives (control), whereas the other groups were fed the basal diet contained 10 g of SWBP (SWBP10), 20 g of SWBP (SWBP20), 1 g of BET (BET1), or 2 g of BET (BET2) per Kg of diet. The results demonstrated that supplementing SWBP significantly reduced (P < 0.001) the respiration rates (RR), as well of ear (ET) and rectal temperatures (RT), while BET2 recorded the lowest (P = 0.004) skin temperature (ST). All supplements markedly improved serum total protein, total lipid, and the activities of the AST and ALT (P < 0.001). Moreover, SWBP20 and BET2 enhanced serum albumin and globulin levels (P ≤ 0.01), superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.001). Both SWBP and BET also elevated testosterone levels and shortened reaction time (P < 0.001). SWBP20 showed the highest testosterone and shortest reaction time. Semen quality parameters including pH, ejaculate volume, motility, sperm concentration, and viability were significantly improved (P < 0.05). In seminal plasms, both supplements increased glutathione and TAC levels while decreasing malondialdehyde (P < 0.001). The findings indicate that dietary SWBP and BET could improve semen quality, blood parameters, and oxidative capaci

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Despite existing treatments, effective therapies to halt or reverse AD progression remain limited, highlighting the urgent need for new multitarget strategies. Phytotherapy as an anti-AD approach has emerged as an increasingly promising strategy in combating neurodegeneration, triggered by suppression of neuronal oxidation and inflammation. Salicin is a natural substance found in willow bark with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study investigates the protective effects of Salicin on neurodegeneration triggered by Scopolamine (Scop). Network pharmacology identified target pathways and genes involved in AD pathogenesis and suggested Salicin as a potential therapeutic agent. Molecular docking elucidated interactions within these target pathways. Scop (1 mg/kg, i.p.) induced memory dysfunction, and Salicin was administered at 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg (i.p.). Behavioral parameters were assessed for recognition and spatial memory using Novel Object Recognition (NOR) and Radial Arm Maze (RAM), respectively. AChE, BDNF, and PSEN-1 levels were studied as per

Extracts from willow bark or leaves were shown to contain effective plant biostimulants and pharmaceutical compounds. Considering the limitation in the use of bark raw materials on large scale, here we analyzed the stimulatory effects of extracts from various organs of willow (Salix viminalis L) plants grown as short rotation shrub willow. Metabolomic analysis of water extracts from different organs (leaves, meristems, stems) of two triploid genotypes (Rába and Maros) revealed presence of bioactive compounds. Quantity of phenylpropanoids, flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins, aminobenzoate degradants, plant hormones and stylbenes varied between organs and genotypes. Several of these bioactive compounds are known as pharmaceuticals. Here we carried out phytostimulatory tests by using various extracts for seed priming and foliar spraying of maize plants in greenhouse and field experiments. Both the digital imagining of maize plants and measurements of the plant height showed variable stimulation of growth. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters indicated improved photosynthetic performance. Increased seed weight/ear and 1000 seed weight (17%) were detected after foliar spraying. The present study supports the extended application of bioactive phytocompounds by offering a novel raw material, the short rotation willow shoots as sources of bioactive compounds for use in agricultural practice and pharmaceutical industry.

Salicylic acid (SA) is the active ingredient in willow bark that has been used for anti-inflammation and pain relief for centuries. Aspirin, a derivative of SA, is the most widely used medication in human history. SA also acts as a key plant defence hormone1-4. Although SA was known to be produced from chorismate in the model plant Arabidopsis5,6, how it is biosynthesized in plant families outside Brassicaceae remains unclear. Here we report the identification of a conserved pathway for SA biosynthesis in seed plants. Using Nicotiana benthamiana as a model, we identified three key steps for the biosynthesis of SA. First, ligation of benzoyl coenzyme A (CoA) and benzyl alcohol by benzoyl-CoA:benzyl alcohol benzoyl transferase (BEBT) gives rise to benzyl benzoate, which is then hydroxylated by benzyl benzoate oxidase (BBO) to produce benzyl salicylate. Subsequent cleavage of benzyl salicylate by benzyl salicylate hydrolase (BSH) yields SA. Notably, genes encoding these three enzymes are present in a broad range of plants, and the genes from dicots such as willow, poplar and soybean as well as the monocot rice can complement the phenotype of

Disbudding is a standard procedure on most US dairy farms, but organic options to alleviate pain are limited. The objective of this study was to assess the post-disbudding analgesic effects of 2 organic pain relief methods (Dull It, Dr. Paul's Lab, Mazomanie, WI; willow bark, Nature's Way, Green Bay, WI) on the heart rate, ocular temperature, salivary cortisol concentration, and lying behavior (time, bouts, and bout duration) of 53 preweaning Holstein and crossbred dairy calves born at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minnesota. Calves were disbudded with a cautery iron between 5 and 7 wk of age (44 ± 4 d) and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: lidocaine only (LA; 5 mL per horn bud; n = 18), lidocaine and Dull It (DI; 5 mL under the tongue immediately after and 1 h after disbudding; n = 18), and lidocaine and willow bark (WB; 200 mg/kg; n = 17). Polar H10 heart rate monitors recorded heart rates for all calves continuously throughout the 5-h study period and data were analyzed in 5-min intervals. The HOBO loggers recorded lying behavior for 95-h following disbudding in 1-min intervals. Thermal images of the eye were captured approximately every 20 s beginning 5 min before and ending 5 min after disbudding for all calves. Saliva samples were collected from 30 randomly selected "minimally invasive" calves 1 h before disbudding, at the time of disbudding, and at 5 min, 10 min, and every 30 min until 240 min after disbudding. The remaining 23 calves served as a "noninvasive"

We assessed the suitability of a willow cultivar for monogastric herbivores in zoos using a rabbit model. Thirty-six male New Zealand White × Californian rabbits at 5 weeks of age were provided with bark and leaf material from a willow cultivar, Salix miyabeana (SX61), in one of four treatments for 6 weeks: UC (unrestricted control of pelleted diet); RC (restricted control of pelleted diet); TL (restricted pellets + fresh willow leaf material); and TB (restricted pellets + fresh willow bark material). Daily feed intake and weekly weights were recorded. Fasted blood samples were taken between 8:00 and 11:00 h, and blood biochemistry and acute phase protein (APP) were quantified at the start and end of the study. After the 6-week study period, rabbits were euthanized, and liver and kidney weights were obtained to assess hepatocellular damage. Blood biochemistry results were mainly within reference ranges and suggest a lack of toxicity or cellular damage due to feeding different amounts of willow ingredients. Greater weight gain was observed in the UC group when compared to the RC (p < 0.01), TB, and TL (p < 0.05) groups at the end of the treatment period. Total dry matter (DM) intake was greater in both TB and TL treatment groups when compared to the RC group but lower than the UC group (p < 0.05) across the treatment period. At the end of the study, phosphorus, magnesium, glucose, and AST were lower in the RC group when compared to all other treatment groups (p < 0.05) with a greater blood urea nitrogen than the TL and TB groups (p < 0.01). The TL group had greater blood potassium concentrations and a lower Na:K ratio than the UC and TB groups (p < 0.01). No differences were observed

The human perception of bitterness is mediated by type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs), which recognize a broad array of bitter substances with distinct chemical properties. TAS2R16 exhibits a pronounced selectivity for β-glucoside-moiety-containing compounds, such as salicin from willow bark. However, the molecular mechanism of moiety-specific recognition and receptor activation in TAS2R16 remains unclear. Here, we present cryoelectron microscopy structures of the salicin-activated human TAS2R16 complexed with gustducin and Gi1 and Gi2 proteins. The binding mode of salicin with TAS2R16 and the specific interactions of the β-D-glucopyranoside moiety are detailed. Together with molecular docking and mutagenesis data, this study uncovers the structural underpinnings of TAS2R16's group-specific recognition, receptor activation, and subsequent gustducin and Gi protein coupling. These findings advance our understanding of human bitter taste receptors and provide a foundation for structural modifications of bitter glycosides, opening potential therapeutic applications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to gain knowledge of scalp and hair tolerance and efficacy of two investigational shampoo formulations with different concentrations of fermented Salix purpurea (purple willow) bark extract tested on dandruff sufferers. METHODS: This non-invasive study included a trichologist assessment of tolerance, clinical evaluation of efficacy, and photo documentation by macrophotography with Aramo ASW 300F. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired sample t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to assess within-group changes, and unpaired t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests to compare results between groups. A significance level of p <0.05 was used to determine the efficacy of the treatments. A split-panel of 21 participants with varying scalp conditions, including visible dandruff, used the shampoos (Salixin Shampoo 2% or Salixin Shampoo 4%) for 56 consecutive days. Regular assessments were performed under trichological and dermatological supervision, including evaluation of scalp appearance, itching, redness, dandruff visibility, and subject-reported side effects. RESULTS: Results indicated that both formulations were well tolerated. Evaluations demonstrated a reduction in dandruff symptoms for both shampoos, with Salixin Shampoo 4% showing a more pronounced effect, although not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that fermented Salix purpurea bark extract is effective in reducing dandruff and improving scalp condition, with higher concentrations offering enhanced efficacy. © 2025 Kalinowska et al.

Cautery disbudding is a painful procedure and major welfare concern in organic dairy production, which lacks effective and easily implemented methods of pain control. Willow bark (WB) has been used to treat chronic pain in humans, but there is no scientific evidence that WB has an analgesic effect in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an oral WB bolus on heart rate, salivary cortisol concentration, ocular temperature, and lying behavior (time, bouts, and bout duration) of 42 Holstein and crossbred calves. Heifer calves were born at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, MN organic dairy. Calves were disbudded from 4 to 7 weeks of age (42 ± 3 d) and randomly assigned to one of three treatments (n = 14 calves/treatment): hot iron disbudding with lidocaine (LID; 5 mL per horn bud), hot iron disbudding with oral WB (200 mg/kg), or sham disbudding (SD). Saliva samples and thermal images were collected 1 h before disbudding, at disbudding, and 5 min, 10 min, and every 30 min until 240 min after disbudding. Cardiac monitors recorded heart rates continuously throughout the 5 h study period. HOBO loggers recorded lying behavior during the 72 h following disbudding. The variables included in the statistical model for analyses were fixed effects of treatment, time, and the interaction between treatment and time, and calf was a random effect. The mean heart rate of LID calves (123.3 ± 2.8 beats/minute) and WB calves (124.5 ± 3.2 beats/minute) were higher than SD calves (110.8 ± 2.3 beats/minute). Salivary cortisol concentrations were higher for the LID calves (103.8 pg/mL) and for the WB calves (103.4 pg/mL) than for the SD calves (85.5 pg/mL). The ocular temper

BACKGROUND: Herbal preparations and phytotherapeutic substances are offered for symptoms and diseases of the rheumatic spectrum and are often intensively advertised in the lay press. The German Society for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (DGRh) Committee on Complementary Medicine and Nutrition reviewed the scientific literature on selected over the counter preparations and prescription phytotherapeutic substances and examined the possibilities for their use in rheumatology. METHODS: In an online meeting of the Committee on 8 February 2023 a list of herbal preparations that are frequently used in rheumatology (mostly as self-medication) was drawn up. Each member of the committee then carried out a literature search on one or two substances and summarized the results according to a defined matrix. Research was carried out on borage oil, stinging nettle preparations, cannabis preparations and preparations of dog rose, rosemary, saffron and willow bark. The data on the mixed preparation Phytodolor® (Bayer Vital GmbH, Germany) were also examined. The results were revie

Salicin is a natural glycoside compound widely used to treat fever, inflammation, and analgesia. Currently, salicin is primarily extracted from willow bark, which is not only cumbersome in terms of extraction and separate steps, but also subject to seasonal and geographic limitations. In this study, a highly efficient biosynthetic pathway for salicin synthesis was designed and constructed in E. coli. The most important precursor in the synthetic pathway of salicin designed in this study is salicyl alcohol. Building on a previously constructed biosynthetic salicylic acid metabolic pathway, the production of salicyl alcohol in shake flask fermentation reached 1.7 g/L by increasing the supply of shikimic acid pathway precursor PEP and salicyl alcohol precursor chorismate. According to the principle of substrate similarity, this study identified the key enzyme OsSGT1 from Oryza sativa, which uses E. coli endogenous UDP-glucose as a glycosyl donor to glycosylate salicyl alcohol into salicin. By redefining the optimal substrate of OsSGT1, and balancing metabolic flux along with increasing the supply of UDP-glucose, salicin production in shake flasks reached 4 g/L. Finally, culturing the high-yield strain in a 3-L fermenter resulted in the synthesis of 14.62 g/L of salicin. To the best of our knowledge, this achievement marks the highest salicin production through microbial fermentation to date.

17. Willow Bark. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006–. 2024 Sep 15. Willow (Salix sp.) bark contains salicylic acid and its derivative salicin. Willow bark has no specific lactation-related uses. It is traditionally used to treat fever and inflammatory conditions, but it also is found in some weight loss products. After salicylate or salicin ingestion, salicylic acid is excreted into breastmilk. The excretion of salicylate into breastmilk increases disproportionately as the maternal dosage increases. Long-term, high-dose maternal aspirin ingestion probably caused metabolic acidosis in one breastfed infant. Reye's syndrome is associated with aspirin administration to infants with viral infections, but the risk of Reye's syndrome from salicylate in breastmilk is unknown. Willow bark is best avoided during breastfeeding. Safer drugs are available for pain and fever. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The conventional treatment options for arthritis often come with limitations and potential side effects, leading to increased interest in herbal plants as alternative therapies. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the use of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, focusing on their traditional remedies, active components, mechanisms of action, and pharmaceutical approaches for enhancing their delivery. Various herbal plants, including turmeric, ginger, Boswellia, and willow bark, have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them valuable options for managing arthritis symptoms. The active components of these herbal plants, such as curcumin, gingerols, and boswellic acids, contribute to their therapeutic effects. To enhance the delivery of herbal medicines, pharmaceutical approaches like nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, microneedles, and inhalation systems have been explored. These approaches aim to improve bioavailability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of herbal compounds. Safety considerations, including potential interactions with medications and the risk of allergic reactions, are also discussed. Future perspectives for this field involve conducting well-designed clinical studies, enhancing standardization and quality control measures, exploring novel drug delivery systems, and fostering collaborations between traditional medicine practitioners and healthcare professionals. Continued research and development in these areas will help unlock the full potential of herbal plants in arthritis treatment, offering pe

Cellulose-based materials are gaining increasing attention in the packaging industry as sustainable packaging material alternatives. Lignocellulosic polymers with high quantities of surface hydroxyls are inherently hydrophilic and hygroscopic, making them moisture-sensitive, which has been retarding the utilization of cellulosic materials in applications requiring high moisture resistance. Herein, we produced lightweight all-cellulose fiber foam films with improved water tolerance. The fiber foams were modified with willow bark extract (WBE) and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD). AKD improved the water stability, while the addition of WBE was found to improve the dry strength of the fiber foam films and bring additional functionalities, that is, antioxidant and ultraviolet protection properties, to the material. Additionally, WBE and AKD showed a synergistic effect in improving the hydrophobicity and water tolerance of the fiber foam films. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy indicated that the interactions among WBE, cellulose, and AKD were physical, with no formation of covalent bonds. The findings of this study broaden the possibilities to utilize cellulose-based materials in high-value active packaging applications, for instance, for pharmaceutical and healthcare products or as water-resistant coatings for textiles, besides bulk packaging materials. © 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.

Willow trees (Salix spp.) exhibit remarkable genetic and phenotypic diversity, yielding a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds, notably valuable phenolic compounds such as condensed tannins (phenolic polymers), flavonoids, salicylic glucosides, and phenolic compounds. These enhance the economic value of willow crops and make them suitable for circular bioeconomy. Phenolic compounds known for their diverse applications as antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and antiseptics and more, find a natural source in willow. This study aimed to elucidate the composition of 12 flavonoids and salicylic acid in different segments of five organic winter dormant willow species (S. daphnoides, S. fragilis, S. dasyclados, S. viminalis, and S. dasyclados x viminalis) using quantitative analysis and providing valuable insights into their high-value phenolic compounds. Separation into buds, wood and bark segments allowed for a precise characterization of the location of certain phenolic compounds and quantification using LC-MS/MS techniques. LC-MS/MS is an analytical technique known for its increased sensitivity and chromatographic precision. Among the findings, catechin emerged as the predominant flavan-3-ol in all Salix species, with the highest concentration in the buds of Salix viminalis (7.26 mg/g DM). Naringenin exhibited species-specific variations, with S. dasyclados and S. viminalis recording the highest levels. Salicylic acid concentrations peaked in S. dasyclados (5.38 mg/g DM) and S. daphnoides (4.43 mg/g DM), particularly within the bark. When evaluating other individual flavonoids and total polyphenol content (TPC), disparities between buds, bark, and wood became evident, with wood consistently

BACKGROUND: Oily skin is a common concern in the field of dermatology due to its association with excessive sebum production, acne, blackheads, and enlarged facial pores. Therefore, it is in great demand to develop effective cosmetics to manage oily skin. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract for oily skin. METHODS: The efficacy of a novel emulsion was evaluated through a 56-day clinical trial. The clinical efficacy of the product to ameliorate acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores was assessed on 30 subjects with oily skin by VISIA, PRIMOS, professional dermatologist evaluations, and subject self-assessment. RESULTS: In the clinical trial, the participants showed high satisfaction with the emulsion's efficacy, reporting significant improvement in skin sebum secretion, acne, facial pores, and blackheads. The efficacy of the novel emulsion was further validated through VISIA and PRIMOS measurements, along with professional dermatologist evaluations. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the novel emulsion containing three active ingredients could effectively improve acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

INTRODUCTION: Recurring viral outbreaks have a significant negative impact on society. This creates a need to develop novel strategies to complement the existing antiviral approaches. There is a need for safe and sustainable antiviral solutions derived from nature. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of willow (Salix spp.) bark hot water extracts against coronaviruses and enteroviruses. Willow bark has long been recognized for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicines. However, its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent remains relatively unexplored. METHODS: Cytopathic effect inhibition assay and virucidal and qPCR-based assays were used to evaluate the antiviral potential of the bark extracts. The mechanism of action was investigated using time-of-addition assay, confocal microscopy, TEM, thermal, and binding assays. Extracts were fractionated and screened for their chemical composition using high-resolution LC-MS. RESULTS: The native Salix samples demonstrated their excellent antiviral potential against the non-enveloped enteroviruses even at room temperature and after 45 s. They were equally effective against the seasonal and pandemic coronaviruses. Confocal microscopy verified the loss of infection capacity by negligible staining of the newly synthesized capsid or spike proteins. Time-of-addition studies demonstrated that Salix bark extract had a direct effect on the

This study intends to assess the analgesic effects, physical facilitation, and safety of willow bark use in patients with arthritis. Our study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relative randomized controlled trials (RCTs) describing the efficacy or adverse events of willow bark in patients with arthritis until 12 April 2023. We used Cochrane ROB 2.0 and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system to evaluate the quality of studies and evidence. The meta-analysis was carried out by the fix-effects model. This study included five studies with six RCTs consisting of 329 patients with arthritis. The results showed significant differences in pain relief and improvement in physical status for patients with arthritis between willow bark treatment and placebo groups, and no significant differences in the risk of all adverse events in patient

Due to their content of phenolic compounds, willow bark preparations are used as an herbal remedy. The large diversity of phenolic secondary metabolites in Salix still provides a resource for the identification of bioactive compounds in particular species, including species not yet in focus from a phytopharmaceutical perspective. The present study describes the bark phenolic profile of 13 Salix species analyzed by HPLC-MS: Salix alba, Salix babylonica, Salix daphnoides, Salix fragilis, Salix hastata, Salix myrsinifolia, Salix pentandra, Salix purpurea, Salix repens (including subspecies S. repens ssp. arenaria and S. repens ssp. repens), Salix rosmarinifolia, Salix sachalinensis, Salix triandra and Salix viminalis. The analyzed profiles comprised the chemical groups of salicylates, flavonoids, procyanidins, phenolic acid derivatives, and some unclassified phenolics. Particular compounds were detected in species where they have not been previously reported. Apart from interspecific diversity, qualitative variability within species was observed as certain components were detected only in some of the analyzed genotypes. The

Willow bark (Salix spp., Salicaceae) is a traditional analgesic and antirheumatic herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the phytochemical and antioxidant profiles of leaf and bark extracts of six species of the genus Salix obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and to examine the inhibitory potential of target bioactive compounds against two inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), through in silico molecular docking. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts was estimated using spectrophotometric methods and the antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging assays. Chemical profiling of extracts was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to differentiate the sample extracts based on their phytochemical profiles and amounts of target bioactive compounds. Chemical composition varied among the analyzed willow species and also among the plant organs of the same species. The major bioactive compounds of the extracts were salicin, chlorogenic acid, rutin and epicatechin. The extracts exhibited significant DPPH● and ●OH scavenging activities. Results of molecular docking revealed that chlorogenic acid had the highest binding affinity toward TNF-α and IL-6. UAE extracts represent valuable sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.