Compound Monograph
Salicyl Alcohol Glycosides
Salicyl alcohol glycosides are the willow-bark compounds, such as salicin and salicortin, that the body converts toward salicylic acid.
Sources · 3
Where Does It Come From?
Salicyl Alcohol Glycosides are naturally occurring phenolic glycosides (salicylates), found in Willow, Poplar and 1 other source. They are well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Salicyl alcohol glycosides are a group of phenolic glycosides—salicin, salicortin, tremulacin and related compounds—that occur in willow and poplar bark. Collectively they serve as natural precursors that are metabolized toward salicylic acid, which underlies the traditional use of willow bark for pain, fever and inflammation. Standardized willow-bark extracts are usually characterized by their total content of these glycosides expressed as salicin.
Toxicity & Safety
At the levels present in willow-bark preparations these glycosides are generally well tolerated and regarded as low in toxicity. Because they ultimately yield a salicylate, they share the cautions of that class, including avoidance by people sensitive to aspirin and care alongside other anti-inflammatory or anticoagulant drugs.
