The salicin and flavonoids present in white willow first and foremost benefit the plant itself. They improve its resistance to pathogens and insects which feed off its sap (phloem). More surprisingly, salicin also acts as a communicator between willow trees. When one tree is attacked by a virus, salicin is converted into methyl salicylate, an organic compound which is dispersed into the atmosphere and protects other plants from the danger to which it is exposed. It is a genuine signalling substance capable of activating defence genes in the tissues of neighbouring plants (20).

What’s more, because it contains anti-inflammatory compounds able to relieve pain in the herbivores consuming its leaves, shoots and bark, the plant is attractive to animals, thus increasing the dispersal of its seeds. This may therefore be an evolutionary strategy designed to increase its expansion and survival.

Unlike aspirin, willow bark has been shown in clinical trials to have almost no adverse side-effects (21). In particular it has a far weaker anti-platelet effect. Nevertheless, those suffering from gastritis, coagulation problems, haemophilia, kidney disorders or stomach ulcers should seek medical advice before taking willow extract.

In addition, those with an aspirin allergy or hypersensitivity could well find the same problem with willow bark.

It’s estimated that around 80% of the salicin in willow bark extract is absorbed following ingestion. It is then metabolised into saligenin by gut flora, and subsequently converted into salicylic acid (22). It is thus salicin which comes into contact with the digestive tract and not salicylic acid as is the case with aspirin.

An appropriate dose is 1-2 capsules taken with meals. For chronic pain and cardiovascular health, it should be continued for at least 4-6 weeks in order to fully benefit from its effects. Willow Bark Extract can be combined with other supplements available to buy at Supersmart such as Triple Protect for even greater cardiovascular benefits, with Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, and with Ubiquinol for a synergistic antioxidant action.

Note: researchers have demonstrated a powerful synergy between the phytochemical compounds in coffee, which can prevent lipid peroxidation, and willow bark extract, indicating a protective effect for cell membrane phospholipids (23). Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and omega-3 may, for their part, help to maintain the stability and fluidity of cell membranes that have potentially been damaged by long-term use of aspirin (24). It has also been reported that the same conversion into salicylic acid occurs with meadowsweet (Spiraea Ulmaria).

With the introduction of Willow Bark Extract, it is now possible to obtain the benefits of a completely natural, plant-source aspirin, the properties of which are almost identical to those of the chemically-synthesised product.

Buy Willow Bark Extract to support cardiovascular health.

This product’s capsules are made of pullulan, a natural polysaccharide obtained by fermenting tapioca or corn. Pullulan contains no animal ingredients and provides an excellent barrier to oxygen, helping to preserve the integrity of the capsule’s ingredients. It is also an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.