Popule cortex

Populi cortex or folium, also called poplar bark or poplar leaves, are drugs used in herbal medicinal products to treat rheumatic complaints and pain, among other things.

Poplar bark or leaves contain salicylic alcohol derivatives (phenolic glycosides, including, inter alia, salicin, salicortin and populin), flavonoids and essential oil containing alpha- and beta-caryophylls, cardines and (+)-bisabolol. A content of up to 10 % phenolic glycosides has been found in the bark, which is higher than in leaves and buds.

Populi cortex or folium has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, the leaves and bark relieve pain and prevent or eliminate water accumulation in the tissue.

Populi cortex or folium is used to treat rheumatic complaints, benign prostatic hyperplasia, micturition problems and pain.

Poplar bark extracts are only available as combination preparations. For rheumatic complaints, these preparations are taken 3 to 4 times daily with 130 mg. For prostate complaints, the dosage is 60 mg if taken 2 to 4 times daily.

In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions may occur.

In case of an existing hypersensitivity to salicates, it should not be taken.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

In the case of existing prostate hyperplasia, the bark and leaves of the poplar only alleviate the discomfort without fighting the actual enlargement.

1. Schilcher H (Ed.) in, Guide to Phytotherapy, Urban & Fischer Verlag (2016) Munich, p. 240 f.