Willow (Salix alba)
The plant is indigenous to central and southern Europe. This tree grows from 6 to 18 m high with fissured grey bark. The male flowers are yellow and the female green.

Parts used:
Bark
Botany
The plant is indigenous to central and southern Europe. This tree grows from 6 to 18 m high with fissured grey bark. The male flowers are yellow and the female green.
Constituents
Contains glycoside and esters yielding salicylic acid, salicin, salicortin, tannins and flavonoids (eriodictoyl-7- glucoside, naringenin-5- glucoside, chalcone, isosalipurposide and catechin).
Possible Interactions
Herbs - Possibly herbs with anticoagulant antiplatelet potential or salicylate-containing herbs. Drugs - Possibly with anticoagulant antiplatelet, drugs, aspirin and salsalate.
Comments
Approved by German Commission E for rheumatism and pain. Extract seems to inhibit COX-2 mediated prostaglandin release but does not seem to affect directly COX-1 or COX-2 activity. Constituents may have lipoxygenase inhibiting and antioxidant effects that could contribute to its analgesic effect. Salicin is probably the most active anti-inflammatory compound in willow; it is metabolised to salicylic acid.
➥ Pharmacopoeia and Other Monographs
ESCOP 2003, BP 2007, Ph Eur 2007, The German Commission E