Popule cortex

Populi cortex or folium, also known as poplar barkor poplar leaves, are drugs that are used in herbal medicines to treat rheumatic complaints and pain, among other things.

Poplar bark and leaves contain salicyclic alcohol derivatives (phenolic glycosides, including salicin, salicortin and populin), flavonoids and essential oil with alpha- and beta-caryophyllene, cardinene and (+)-bisabolol. The bark has been found to contain up to 10 % phenolic glycosides, which is higher than in the 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.