Populi gemmae

Populi gemma, also known as poplar buds, is a drug with antiphlogistic, analgesic, antibacterial and spasmolytic effects. It can be used in herbal medicinal products for the external treatment of dermatitis solaris, chilblains and superficial skin lesions.

see also Populi cortex

Commission E Monograph: Treatment of dermatitis

ESCOP: not processed

HMPC: not processed

Folk medicine: Inflammations of various origins

Populi gemma contains salicylic alcohol derivatives (phenolic glycosides, including among others salicin, salicortin and populin), flavonoids and essential oil with alpha- and beta-caryophylls, cardines and (+)-bisabolol.

Poplar buds promote wound healing and also have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.

Poplar buds are used for superficial skin injuries, sunburn, chilblains and hemorrhoids.

In veterinary medicine, poplar buds have long been used in horses to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system due to their anti-inflammatory effect, which can be explained by the active ingredient salicylic acid they contain. Due to its antibacterial effect, it is also used for kidney and stomach problems.

Poplar buds are used as preparations for application on the skin. For this indication there is a monograph of Commission E. These should have a drug content of 20 to 30 %.

In rare cases allergic skin reactions may occur.

In case of a known hypersensitivity to salicates, poplar buds, propulis or Peru balsam, it should not be taken.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

Combination preparations: Trembling poplar bark/leaves+goldrutweed+ash bark

Phytodolor® Tincture

Poplar buds are mainly used in veterinary medicine as anti-inflammatory ointment. The drug is used very rarely in human medicine. Hamamelis products are apparently more effective (comparative studies are missing).

1. Schilcher H (2016) In: Guide to Phytotherapy, Urban & Fischer Verlag Munich, p. 238 f.