Salicin

Glucoside of saligenin (salicyl alcohol), which is mainly found in the bark and other parts of plants of Salix (willow) and Populis (poplar) species. It is also found in the herb of the wild pansy (Viola tricolor), in meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), in the false berry (Gaultheria procumbens). Salicin is produced by these plants as an insect repellent.

After oral administration of the drug, salicin is transformed in the intestine into the aglucone saligenin, which is metabolized after absorption into the analgesically and antipyretically effective salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid). Salicylic acid inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX).

1. Kim CS et al (2015) Salicin derivatives from Salix glandulosa and their biological activities. Fitoterapia 106:147-152.
2. Gopaul R et al (2010) An evaluation of the effect of a topical product containing salicin on the visible signs of human skin aging. J Cosmet Dermatol 9:196-201.
3. Verma N et al (2014) Effect of salicin on good inflammation and on selected groups of good microbiota in dextran sodium sulfate induced mouse model of colitis. Inflamm Res 63:161-169.
4. Wei W et al (2015) New salicin derivatives from the leaves of Populus euphratica. J Asian Nat Prod Res 17:491-496.