Antiinflammatory Willow

During the nineteenth century, chemists had a good deal of success in isolating and purifying natural products from plant sources. Morphine was isolated as a pure compound from crude opium in 1804. Quinine was isolated from the bark of the cinchona tree in 1820 and was initially employed as a fever reducer. However, its effectiveness against malaria was soon discovered and it found an alternative highly important medical use. Sodium salicylate was isolated from the bark of the willow tree in 1821 and was also shown to have analgesic, antipyretic, and antiinflammatory properties. It took an additional 76 years, until 1897, to synthesize the acetyl derivative, acetylsalicyclic acid, commonly known as aspirin. 

The onset of the antiinflammatory effect of willow bark constituents is delayed in comparison with that saligenin (salicyl alcohol), sodium salicylate and acetylsalicylic acid, indicating that metabolites of willow constituents may be the active principles. 

Herbalists also believe that combining herbs improves efficacy and reduces adverse effects. When compounded by knowledgeable practitioners, some of the remedies do make sense. The combination of Devil s claw, white willow, and tumeric, all agents with antiinflammatory effects, is rational, and quite probably effective. But combining St. John s Wort, which contains a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, with Ephedra, which causes increased catecholamine release, is both dangerous and ill advised. 

Analgesics from the family of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory dmgs (NSAIDs) have been used for more than 2000 years. Bark extracts of willows and poplars, both from the Salicaceae family, were extensively prescribed by Hippocrates to reduce pain and lower fever. The use of willow leaves was noted in the medical books written by Dioscotides in ad 100, while 100 years later willow was... 

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