Salix alba

Salix alba, Salicaceae, Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechins
Salix alba, Salicaceae, Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechinsSalix alba, Salicaceae, Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechinsSalix alba, Salicaceae, Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechinsSalix alba, Salicaceae, Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechinsSalix alba, Salicaceae, Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechinsSalix alba, Salicaceae, Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechins
Botanical Nomenclature Salix alba
Common Name White Willow
Taxonomy- Family Salicaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Salix alba is a deciduous tree growing from 7 to 25m, with oblong, lanceolate, serrated leaves and white flowers in inflorescences. The oval, smooth fruits has the form of a capsule. The flowering and the harvesting take place from April to May.
Region Found Ioannina (Vikos-Aoos, Pindos, Tymfi Mountain)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Bark, leaves
Active Substances Glycosides (salicin, salicortin, acetyl-salicortin, triandine), salicylic acid, flavonoids, tannins, catechins
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The bark of the plant has tonic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and astringent properties. The salicylates are the essential active ingredients of the plant, as they inhibit the production of prostaglandins and arachidonic acid. The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of headaches, neuralgia, rheumatism, arthritis, fever, common cold, diarrhea, gout, pain during menstruation, as well against muscular pain.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic in the form of herbal tea (1-2 spoons of dried bark in 25mL of boiled water 2-3 times a day). Also it is administered in the form of powder from the leaves, into pharmaceutical capsules (60-240 mg daily) and in the form of tincture (1: 5 parts of dried herb and ethyl alcohol, 25%, 5-8 mL a day)
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Plant's consumption may cause nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, rashes, allergic reactions, tinnitus, kidneys irritation, stomach disorders, ulcers, vomiting, bleeding and stomach inflammation.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Α' τόμος, σελίδες: 249-251 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδα 110, 3)http://www.viopikilotita.uoi.gr/fyta.php 4)http://www.iama.gr/ethno/kerkini/koen.html 5)http://www.drugs.com/npc/willow-bark.html 6)http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/willow-bark