Salicin

Glucoside of saligenin (salicylic alcohol), which is mainly found in the bark and other plant parts of Salix (willow) and Populis (poplar) species. It is also found in the herb of the wild pansy (Viola tricolor), in the meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and in the false berry (Gaultheria procumbens). Salicin is produced by these plants as an insect repellent. This protective coating is used by bees to produce the antibiotic putty resin (propolis).

After oral administration of the drug, salicin is converted into the aglucon saligenin in the intestine, which is metabolized after absorption into salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid), which has analgesic and antipyretic effects. 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.