Abstract

SALIX ALBA (WHITE WILLOW BARK) - A PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Thiruppathi M.*

ABSTRACT

A Large proportion of the world population especially the developing countries rely on the traditional system of medicines. The use of herbs in medicine is getting popularized because of its natural origin with no or lesser side effects. The herb Salix alba also known as willow bark or white willow is used to treat pain and fever. It is also used for myalgias, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrheal, gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, common cold, influenza, and weight loss. White willow contains a main salicylic acid analogue of salicin that is converted by the body into a salicylate similar to the blood-thinner aspirin. Over the last twenty years, another use for aspirin has emerged connected with the discovery of its anti-thrombotic action. Nowadays, a small number of clinical studies have been conducted that hold the use of willow bark extracts in the chronic lower back and joint pain and osteoarthritis. Willow bark extracts also are widely used in sports performance and weight loss products presumably because of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, although no human studies have been published that specifically and directly document beneficial effects. In recent years, various in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity. The present review attempts to provide comprehensive information on phytopharmacological properties of white willow (Salix alba) for further research.

Keywords: Salix alba, phytoconstituents, therapeutic uses, pharmacological activities.