Willow
There are over 300 species of willow trees found mainly in Europe and North America. The species of medical interest include Salix alba (white willow), S. nigra (black willow), and S. purpurea (purple willow); however, S. daphnoides and S. tragilis along with S. purpurea provide the greatest yield of salicylate precursors. The willow is the source of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin); indeed, this well-known drug is generically named for its phytomedicinal source.
Uses and Benefits:
In ancient Greece, willow bark was used for gout and for febrile and painful disorders. In 1763 the Reverend Edward Stone of Oxfordshire reported on its value in treating fevers. Subsequently, salicylic acid was prepared from salicin in willow bark, and eventually aspirin was synthesized in 1853. Salicylic acid is also obtained from the meadowsweet, Spira ulmaria; aspirin was named after this plants Used for a variety of traditional indications in the past (including gastritis, gonorrhea, and as an aphrodisiac and sedative), willow bark is now mainly used to treat rheumatic disorders, and is a common alternative to aspirin as an analgesic and antipyretic. Recently, willow bark has been introduced into weight loss preparations.
Pharmacology:
Willow bark contains 1.5-11 % phenolic glyco
Steve Mathew
Author Bio
Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on herbal medicines for common ailments and diseases. For more information on herbal remedies and home remedies visit our site on health care.
