White Willow Bark Research
26 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 6/10
Herbal medicine for low back pain: a Cochrane review
Gagnier JJ et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016)
Salix alba (white willow bark) showed moderate evidence for short-term improvement in low back pain compared to placebo.
- White willow bark (120-240mg salicin/day) reduced low back pain more than placebo in the short term
- 240mg salicin was more effective than 120mg, suggesting dose-response relationship
- Fewer GI side effects compared to conventional NSAIDs in direct comparisons
Cochrane review: Herbal therapy for low back pain
Gagnier JJ et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2006)
Moderate evidence supports willow bark for low back pain.
- Moderate evidence of efficacy
- 120-240mg salicin effective
- Need for more research
Mechanisms of herb-induced nephrotoxicity
Allard T et al. • Current medicinal chemistry (2013)
Strategies to minimize nephrotoxicity include (1) quality control and standardization of herbal products, (2) research on the molecular modes of action to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms of herbal products as well as (3) clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy and safety.
- Other herbal therapies are considered to affect the rennin-angiotensisn-aldosterone (RAA) system Ephedra sinica Stapf with its ingredient ephedrine.
- Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.
- Ex Meisn.) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) may inhibit major renal transport processes needed for filtration, secretion, and absorption.
Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extracts
Shara M et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2015)
The primary cause for concern may relate to allergic reactions in salicylate-sensitive individuals.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- In recent years, various in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of willow bark extract is associated with down regulation of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B.
- Although willow bark extracts are generally standardized to salicin, other ingredients in the extracts including other salicylates as well as polyphenols, and flavonoids may also play prominent roles in the therapeutic actions.
- Adverse effects appear to be minimal as compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin.
The Potential Therapeutic Value of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Metabolic Disorders
Nyakudya TT et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2020)
We aim to provide the state of the current knowledge on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutically important phytochemicals by discussing the current trends, with critical examples from recent primary references of how medicinal plants are being used in South African rural and urban communities.
- The impact of phytochemicals present in local medicinal plants on sustainable health and well-being of individuals has been studied for many years and found to involve a plethora of complex biochemical, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms.
- While some of these phytochemicals are the basis of mainstream prescribed drugs (e.g., metformin, reserpine, quinine, and salicin), there is a need to identify more medicinal plants that can be used for the management of components of MetS and to describe their possible mechanisms of action.
- In this review, we assess the potential health benefits of South African ethnomedicinal plants in protecting against the development of health outcomes associated with MetS.
United States Pharmacopeia Safety Review of Willow Bark
Oketch-Rabah HA et al. • Planta medica (2019)
In the interest of protecting public health, the United States Pharmacopeia has included a cautionary labeling statement in the United States Pharmacopeia Salix Species monograph as follows: "Dosage forms prepared with this article should bear the following statement: 'Not for use in children, women who are pregnant or nursing, or by persons with known sensitivity to aspirin.'".Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
- Concurrent use with other salicylate-containing medicines increases these risks.
- Metabolism of 240 mg salicin from willow bark could yield 113 mg of salicylic acid, yet dietary supplement products are not required to be labeled with warnings.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Natural or Plant Products for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders: Current Knowledge
Parvez MK • Current drug metabolism (2018)
Certainly, extensive work is needed to make sure that patients should take a regimen of protective and restorative therapy under an experienced healthcare professional.
- 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.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Hydroxybenzoic acid isomers and the cardiovascular system
Juurlink BH et al. • Nutrition journal (2014)
Hippocrates' dictum of 'Let food be your medicine and medicine your food' can now be experimentally tested and the results of such experiments will enhance the ability of nutritionists to devise specific health-promoting diets.
- It has been known for many years that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables promotes health.
- We are beginning to understand how specific phytochemicals are responsible for such therapeutic effects.
- Hippocrates' dictum of 'Let food be your medicine and medicine your food' can now be experimentally tested and the results of such experiments will enhance the ability of nutritionists to devise specific health-promoting diets.
Herbs in dentistry
Taheri JB et al. • International dental journal (2011)
Herbs may be good alternatives to current treatments for oral health problems but it is clear that we need more research.© 2011 FDI World Dental Federation.
- Herbal products can vary in their potency.
- Therefore, care must be taken in selecting herbs, even so, herbal medicines have dramatically fewer side effects and are safer to use than conventional medications.
- The herbs described in this article are Bloodroot, Caraway, Chamomile, Echinacea, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Aloe Vera, Propolis, and a summary of other herbs that are useful in dentistry.
A systematic review on the effectiveness of willow bark for musculoskeletal pain
Vlachojannis JE et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2009)
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.
- 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.
The historical analysis of aspirin discovery, its relation to the willow tree and antiproliferative and anticancer potential
Mahdi JG et al. • Cell proliferation (2006)
The historical steps that led to the discovery of aspirin, and its antiproliferative and anticancer potential are highlighted in this review.
- For several millennia, the willow tree and salicin have been associated with salicylic acid, the key precursor molecule that has contributed to the discovery of acetylsalicylic acid, traded as aspirin.
- These molecules have been shown to possess phyto- and chemotherapeutic activities as analgesic drugs.
- In recent decades, aspirin has become the focus of extensive investigation into antiproliferative and anticancer activities.
Willow bark extract: the contribution of polyphenols to the overall effect
Nahrstedt A et al. • Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946) (2007)
The single compounds or their combinations responsible for the effect remain to be elucidated.
- In addition, salicins and their metabolites lack the acetylating potential of ASA and must therefore possess a different mechanism of action.
- A detailed pharmacological screening of the aqueous willow bark extract STW 33-I addressed the question of the identification of fractions contributing to the overall effect.
- All in vivo and in vitro models studied pointed to relevant contributions of the fraction of polyphenols and flavonoids.
Tanacetum parthenium and Salix alba (Mig-RL) combination in migraine prophylaxis: a prospective, open-label study
Shrivastava R et al. • Clinical drug investigation (2006)
The remarkable efficacy of Mig-RL in not only reducing the frequency of migraine attacks but also their pain intensity and duration in this trial warrants further investigation of this therapy in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled investigation involving a larger patient population.
- Attack frequency was reduced by 57.2% at 6 weeks (p < 0.029) and by 61.7% at 12 weeks (p < 0.025) in nine of ten patients, with 70% patients having a reduction of at least 50%.
- Attack intensity was reduced by 38.7% at 6 weeks (p < 0.005) and by 62.6% at 12 weeks (p < 0.004) in ten of ten patients, with 70% of patients having a reduction of at least 50%.
- Attack duration decreased by 67.2% at 6 weeks (p < 0.001) and by 76.2% at 12 weeks (p < 0.001) in ten of ten patients.
A commercialized dietary supplement alleviates joint pain in community adults: a double-blind, placebo-controlled community trial
Nieman DC et al. • Nutrition journal (2013)
Results from this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled community trial support the use of the Instaflex™ dietary supplement in alleviating joint pain severity in middle-aged and older adults, with mitigation of difficulty performing daily activities most apparent in subjects with knee pain.
- Clinical trial examining White Willow Bark efficacy
- Published in Nutrition journal (2013)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Yang F et al. • Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2024)
Our results showed that the novel emulsion containing three active ingredients could effectively improve acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores.
- 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.
- Published in Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2024)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Pain Bloc-R Alleviates Unresolved, Non-Pathological Aches and Discomfort in Healthy Adults-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Evans M et al. • Nutrients (2020)
Pain Bloc-R performed as well as acetaminophen in managing unresolved non-pathological pain in otherwise healthy individuals.
- The BPI "pain at its worst" scores were significantly lower when participants took Pain Bloc-R than when they took acetaminophen (21.8% vs. 9.8% decrease, p = 0.026) after seven days of supplementation.
- Pain Bloc-R achieved a significant improvement in the "pain at its least" score, significantly decreased the interference of discomfort in walking, and significantly decreased musculoskeletal discomfort total scores (34%, p = 0.040) after seven days.
- In a post hoc subgroup analysis based on age and gender, male participants ≤45 years taking Pain Bloc-R reported significant reductions in pain severity and pain interference vs. acetaminophen.
Willow bark extract for low back pain
Chrubasik S et al. • American Journal of Medicine (2000)
Willow bark was more effective than placebo for low back pain.
- 39% pain-free in high-dose group
- Dose-dependent effect
- Well-tolerated
Willow bark for osteoarthritis
Schmid B et al. • Phytotherapy Research (2001)
Willow bark reduced pain in hip and knee OA.
- Significant pain reduction
- Improved WOMAC scores
- Fewer side effects than NSAIDs
A bio-cultural approach to the study of food choice: The contribution of taste genetics, population and culture
Risso DS et al. • Appetite (2017)
This is the first study that concurrently explores the contribution of genetics, population diversity and cultural aspects in taste perception and food consumption.Published by Elsevier Ltd.
- Licorice and Parmesan cheese showed lower consumption and liking scores in the Sri Lankan group (Adjusted P = 0.001 and Adjusted P < 0.001, respectively).
- We also highlighted how rs860170 (TAS2R16) strongly differentiated populations and was associated to salicin bitterness perception.
- Identifying genetic variants on chemosensory receptors that vary across populations and show associations with taste perception and food habits represents a step towards a better comprehension of this complex trait, aimed at improving the individual health status.
Screening of herbal extracts for TLR2- and TLR4-dependent anti-inflammatory effects
Schink A et al. • PloS one (2018)
Several promising anti-inflammatory herbal extracts were identified in this study, including extracts with previously unknown influence on key TLR signaling pathways and macrophage repolarization, serving as a basis for novel lead compound identification.
- Moreover, all tested extracts mitigated not only TLR4, but also TLR2 signaling pathways.
- Seven of them additionally inhibited translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus.
- Two of the extracts showed impact on repolarization of pro-inflammatory M1-type to anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages.