White Willow: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Salix Alba
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Salicin
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Lower back pain ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been shown that taking a daily willow bark extract providing 120-240 mg of salicin can reduce lower back pain in some patients. The higher concentration of 240 mg of salicin is more effective than 120 mg of salicin. Significant relief may take up to a week. Some research suggests that 240 mg of salicin per day is as effective as conventional treatments for low back pain. The willow bark extract 393-1600 mg providing 120-240 mg of salicin was used daily for 4 weeks.
Posologie
Oral: bark
393 - 1600 mg
4 - weeks
standardized extract
Treatment of Low Back Pain With a Herbal or Synthetic Anti-Rheumatic: A Randomized Controlled Study. Willow Bark Extract for Low Back Pain
Potential economic impact of using a proprietary willow bark extract in outpatient treatment of low back pain: an open non-randomized study.
Effects of an Ethanolic Salix Extract on the Release of Selected Inflammatory Mediators in Vitro
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Standardized Willow Bark Extract
Osteoarthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research on willow bark extract for osteoarthritis remains conflicting today. Some preliminary clinical research shows that taking a willow bark extract standardized to contain 120-240 mg of salicin per day for 2 to 6 weeks produces moderate analgesic activity compared to placebo in patients with osteoarthritis, while improving swelling, tenderness, and physical function. However, other research shows that taking willow bark standardized to 240 mg of salicin per day for 6 weeks does not improve pain, stiffness, or physical function compared to placebo in patients with osteoarthritis. Further studies will be necessary to assess the effectiveness of willow bark extracts in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Posologie
Oral: bark
393 - 1600 mg
6 - weeks
standardized extract
Schaffner W. Eidenrinde-ein antiarrheumatikum der modernen Phytotherapie?
Effects of an Ethanolic Salix Extract on the Release of Selected Inflammatory Mediators in Vitro
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Efficacy and Safety of Willow Bark Extract in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of 2 Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trials
Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Standardized Willow Bark Extract
Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
Joint pain ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends white willow bark for the relief of minor joint pain. Several preliminary studies support this as well.
Posologie
Oral: bark
393 - 1600 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
European Union herbal monograph on Salix [various species including S. purpurea L., S. daphnoides Vill., S. fragilis L.], cortex
Effects of an Ethanolic Salix Extract on the Release of Selected Inflammatory Mediators in Vitro
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Standardized Willow Bark Extract
Rheumatoid arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, willow bark may be recommended for inflammatory rheumatisms. However, preliminary clinical research suggests that willow bark extract is not effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies will be necessary to validate these results.
Posologie
Oral: bark
393 - 1600 mg
standardized extract
Effects of an Ethanolic Salix Extract on the Release of Selected Inflammatory Mediators in Vitro
Efficacy and Safety of Willow Bark Extract in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of 2 Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trials
Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Standardized Willow Bark Extract
Migraine ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends willow bark for headaches.
Posologie
Oral: bark
393 - 1600 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Effects of an Ethanolic Salix Extract on the Release of Selected Inflammatory Mediators in Vitro
Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Standardized Willow Bark Extract
Flu ✪✪✪✪✪
Traditional use, supported by the presence of salicin: anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Posologie
Oral: bark
393 - 1600 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Effects of an Ethanolic Salix Extract on the Release of Selected Inflammatory Mediators in Vitro
Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Standardized Willow Bark Extract
Cold ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends willow bark extract for the relief of fever associated with the common cold.
Posologie
Oral administration: bark
393 - 1600 mg
standardized extract, dry extract
Effects of an Ethanolic Salix Extract on the Release of Selected Inflammatory Mediators in Vitro
Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Standardized Willow Bark Extract
Properties
Analgesic
When ingested, willow bark extracts inhibit the production of certain inflammatory substances (prostaglandins) via the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX)-2 pathway, without directly affecting COX-1 or COX-2 enzymes. Salicin, converted into salicylic acid in the body, is responsible for this effect. Other components of willow bark may also play a role in inhibiting other inflammatory pathways and providing antioxidant effects, thereby contributing to the analgesic effect. Clinical studies have validated the effectiveness of these extracts for treating osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Clinical studies have shown that willow bark extracts, particularly those standardized in salicin, possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These extracts inhibit certain enzymes and inflammatory substances in the body, such as prostaglandins. Besides salicin, other components of willow bark, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, also contribute to these effects. Tests on animal models indicated that willow extract is at least as effective as aspirin in reducing inflammation and could be gentler on the stomach.
Usages associés
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant
White willow has antiplatelet properties due to salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid, but to a lesser degree than aspirin.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 480 mg - 1200 mg (dry extract)
To be consumed only by adults (dry extract estimated at 15% Salicin). - Herbal tea: 1 to 3 g of crushed plant substance in 150 ml boiling water, infused 3 times a day. - Decoction: 4 g of crushed plant substance are added to a cup (200 ml) of water and boiled covered for 15 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes, then strain. Drink after meals, 3 times a day, a glass of freshly prepared hot decoction. - Plant powder: 260-500 mg 3-8 times a day. To be taken after meals. It is advised to take it with a larger amount of hot water. - Dry aqueous extract (8-20:1): 600 mg twice a day - Dry aqueous extract (16-23:1): 480 mg twice a day - Tincture (1:5): 15-24 ml per day
Interactions
Médicaments
Acetazolamide: weak interaction
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. Human case reports suggest that a combination of acetazolamide and salicylate increases plasma levels of unbound acetazolamide as well as acetazolamide-related adverse effects. Theoretically, willow bark could result in additive adverse effects associated with acetazolamide.
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: strong interaction
Concomitant use could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding due to decreased platelet aggregation. Willow bark has antiplatelet effects, but less so than aspirin. Avoid concurrent use with other anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Some of these include aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin, and others.
Aspirin: moderate interaction
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. Theoretically, willow bark could have an additive effect with other medications containing salicylate such as aspirin.
Magnesium trisalicylate: weak interaction
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. Theoretically, willow bark could have an additive effect with other medications containing salicylate such as choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Salsalate: moderate interaction
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. Theoretically, willow bark could have an additive effect with other medications containing salicylate such as salsalate.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug: moderate interaction
Concomitant use with salicylates and other NSAIDs is not recommended without medical advice.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: weak interaction
The salicin in white willow and anticoagulant supplements have additive effects. Avoid concurrent intake which could increase bleeding risks.
White willow: weak interaction
Theoretically, concurrent use may potentiate salicylate effects and adverse effects.
White willow: weak interaction
Theoretically, concurrent use may potentiate salicylate effects and adverse effects.
Precautions
Allergies: avoid
As a precautionary principle, willow is not recommended for individuals with hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic derivatives (0.2% of the population).
Gastric ulcer: avoid
Contraindicated in cases of active gastro-duodenal ulcer.
Contraindications
Child up to 18 years: prohibited
Use in children and adolescents under 18 years is contraindicated due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Pregnant woman: prohibited
Use during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and during breastfeeding is not recommended. Salicylates cross the placenta and pass into breast milk.
Breastfeeding woman: prohibited
Use during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and during breastfeeding is not recommended. Salicylates cross the placenta and pass into breast milk.
G6PD deficiency: prohibited
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or Favism.
Renal insufficiency: prohibited
Severe liver or kidney dysfunction.
Hepatic insufficiency: prohibited
Severe liver or kidney dysfunction.
Coagulation disorder: prohibited
Risk of bleeding.
Reye's syndrome: prohibited
A medical history of Reye's syndrome is a contraindication.
