White Willow Bark Extract, Salicin

White willow bark extract (as called as Salix Alba Bark Extract, Salix Extract) is a product extracted from the dried bark or dried twig of White willow, the plant name “Salix alba L.” The Main active ingredients in White willow bark extract (also called Cortex Salicis Extract) are phenolic glycosides and flavones glycosides.

Salicin (CAS NO. 138-52-3, C13H18O7) is an alcoholic β-glucoside. Salicin is produced in (and named after) willow (Salix) bark. It is a biosynthetic precursor to salicylaldehyde.

Salicin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Salicin is also commonly found in the bark of Populus species, and the leaves of willows and poplars. which was used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. Salicin is transformed to salicylic acid and has an action very similar to that of aspirin. Salicin was the historical origin of aspirin and is chemically related to it. When consumed, the acetalic ether bridge is broken down. The two parts of the molecule, glucose and salicyl alcohol, then are metabolized separately. By oxidizing the alcohol functional group, the aromatic part finally is metabolized to salicylic acid. Salicin tastes bitter like quinine.

1) A natural ingredient of antimicrobial bactericidal bioactivity.

The White willow Bark Extract ( Cortex salicis extract) is rich in phenolic glycosides and flavones glycosides, which has strong inhibition on Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, candida albicans， Escherichia coli， Pseudomonas aeruginosa etc. Also has autoxidation activity. So the white willow bark extract is usually used to produce natural food preservatives; in cosmetics, it can Prevent acne, reduce swelling and pain, so it protects skin, Anti – dandruff.

2) The Salicin as a natural “Aspirin”

The Salicin can be converted into salicylic acid; it can treat fever, cold and infection in the field of medicine.

3) The Salicin as a natural feed additive of anti-inflammatory and helping digestion for animal.