White willow: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Salix Alba
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Salicin
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Low back pain ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been shown that daily intake of a willow bark extract providing 120-240 mg of salicin can reduce low back pain in some patients. The higher concentration of 240 mg salicin is more effective than 120 mg salicin. Significant relief may take up to one week. nnSome research suggests that 240 mg of salicin per day is as effective as conventional treatments for low back pain.nnWillow bark extract 393-1600 mg providing 120-240 mg of salicin was used daily for 4 weeks.nn
Posologie
By mouth: 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 contradictory today. Some preliminary clinical studies show that taking a standardized willow bark extract containing 120-240 mg of salicin per day for 2 to 6 weeks produces a moderate analgesic effect compared with placebo in patients with osteoarthritis, while improving swelling, tenderness and physical function. However, other research shows that taking a standardized willow bark extract at 240 mg of salicin per day for 6 weeks does not improve pain, stiffness or physical function compared with placebo in patients with osteoarthritis. Further studies will be needed to assess the effectiveness of willow bark extracts in treating osteoarthritis.
Posologie
Oral: bark
393 - 1600 mg
6 - weeks
standardized extract
Schaffner W. Willow bark: an antirheumatic of modern phytotherapy?
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 point in the same direction.
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 ✪✪✪✪✪
In relation to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, willow bark could be recommended for inflammatory rheumatic conditions. 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 use: 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 use: 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 use: 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
Common cold ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recommends willow bark extract for the relief of fever associated with the common cold.
Posologie
Oral use: 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 (COX)-2 enzyme pathway, without directly affecting COX-1 or COX-2 enzymes. Salicin, converted to salicylic acid in the body, is responsible for this effect. Other components of willow bark may also play a role by 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 low back pain.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Clinical studies have shown that willow bark extracts, particularly those standardized for salicin, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These extracts inhibit certain enzymes and inflammatory substances in the body, such as prostaglandins. In addition to salicin, other components of willow bark, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, also contribute to these effects. Tests in animal models have indicated that willow extract is at least as effective as aspirin at reducing inflammation, and may be gentler on the stomach.
Usages associés
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant
White willow has antiplatelet properties due to salicin, a precursor of salicylic acid, but to a lesser degree than aspirin.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 years and older: 480 mg - 1200 mg (dry extract)
For use only by adults (dry extract estimated at 15% salicyline). - Herbal tea: 1 to 3 g of the crushed plant material in 150 ml of boiling water, infused 3 times a day. - Decoction: 4 g of the crushed plant material are added to a cup (200 ml) of water and boiled covered for 15 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes, then strain. Drink after meals, 3 times a day, one glass of freshly prepared hot decoction. - Plant material powder: 260-500 mg 3-8 times a day. Take after meals. It is recommended 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: minor 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 lead to additive adverse effects associated with acetazolamide.
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: major interaction
Concurrent use could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding due to decreased platelet aggregation. Willow bark has antiplatelet effects, but less than aspirin. nnAvoid concurrent use with other anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. Some of these medications 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 salicylate-containing medications such as aspirin.
Magnesium trisalicylate: minor interaction
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. Theoretically, willow bark could have an additive effect with other salicylate-containing medications such as choline and magnesium trisalicylate.
Salsalate: moderate interaction
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. Theoretically, willow bark could have an additive effect with other salicylate-containing medications such as salsalate.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: moderate interaction
Concurrent use with salicylates and other NSAIDs is not recommended without medical advice.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant: low interaction
Salicin from white willow and anticoagulant supplements have additive effects. Avoid concurrent use as it could increase the risk of bleeding.
White willow: low interaction
Theoretically, concurrent use may potentiate salicylate effects and adverse effects.
White willow: low interaction
Theoretically, concurrent use may potentiate salicylate effects and adverse effects.
Precautions
Allergies: avoid
According to the precautionary principle, willow is not recommended for people with an individual hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic derivatives (0.2% of the population).
Gastric ulcer: avoid
Contraindicated in cases of active gastroduodenal ulcer.
Contraindications
Children up to 18 years: prohibited
Use in children and adolescents under 18 years is contraindicated due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Pregnant women: prohibited
Use during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and during breastfeeding is not recommended. Salicylates cross the placenta and are excreted in breast milk.
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
Use during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and during breastfeeding is not recommended. Salicylates cross the placenta and are excreted in 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: contraindicated
Risk of bleeding.nn
Reye syndrome: contraindicated
A history of Reye syndrome is a contraindication.nn
