White Willow Bark Extract — Salicin

Salicin is analcoholic β-glucoside.Salicin is an anti-inflammatory agent that is produced from willow bark.

It is also found in castoreum, which was used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. The activity of castoreum has been credited to the accumulation of salicin from willow trees in the beaver's diet, which is transformed to salicylic acid and has an action very similar to aspirin.

Salicinis closely related in chemical make-up to aspirin. When consumed, the acetalicetherbridge is broken down. The two parts of the molecule, glucose andsalicylic alcohol, then are metabolized separately. By oxidizing the alcoholfunction the aromatic part finally is metabolized to salicylic acid.

Salicinelicits bitterness like quinine, when consumed.

Alkalinecleavage of the glucoside populin produces benzoate and salicin.

Salicinmay be used by some people that are limited to, or prefer, natural medicinal sources, as an anti-inflammatory, headache or pain relief, easing symptoms of arthritis, acne, psoriasis and warts. For reasons of safety, lower risk of side effects, and negative interaction with prescriptions such as gastrointestinalpain from ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).