Willow Species and Aspirin: Different Mechanism of Actions
J. Vlachojannis
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorF. Magora
Department of Anaesthesia, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
S. Chrubasik
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
Herbal Medicines Research and Education Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Professor Dr Sigrun Chrubasik, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Vlachojannis
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
Search for more papers by this authorF. Magora
Department of Anaesthesia, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
S. Chrubasik
Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
Herbal Medicines Research and Education Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Professor Dr Sigrun Chrubasik, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Many believe that willow is the natural source of aspirin. However, willow species contain only a low quantity of the prodrug salicin which is metabolized during absorption into various salicylate derivatives. If calculated as salicylic acid, the daily salicin dose is insufficient to produce analgesia. Salicylic acid concentrations following an analgesic dose of aspirin are an order of magnitude higher. Flavonoids and polyphenols contribute to the potent willow bark analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The multi-component active principle of willow bark provides a broader mechanism of action than aspirin and is devoid of serious adverse events. In contrast to synthetic aspirin, willow bark does not damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. An extract dose with 240 mg salicin had no major impact on blood clotting. In patients with known aspirin allergy willow bark products are contraindicated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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