Mariana Salgado. Looking ahead while preserving heritage: a review on medicinal willow

Posted on: Jan 26, 2025, 12:25:07

Description: Willows have been used for millennia for medicinal purposes worldwide. The isolation of salicin in the 18th century from willow bark extracts eventually led to the development of aspirin. Despite the prevalence of aspirin, willow extracts remain popular remedies in countries like Bolivia, Mexico and Italy. Research highlights the benefits of using whole plant extracts, which contain a variety of beneficial compounds beyond salicylic acid, potentially offering synergistic effects and fewer side effects compared to synthetic medications. Recent studies have uncovered the bioactive properties of understudied willow species and the need for innovative extraction methods. As antibiotic resistance becomes a pressing global issue, the exploration of willow extracts for their antibacterial and other medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer, presents exciting prospects. Future research should focus on characterizing unknown compounds, understanding the mechanisms of action, and promoting the study of tropical species like Salix humboldtiana, commonly named as Mexican willow.

To download the PDF, please click on the link below.
2771.pdf