Willows, also called sallows and osiers, from the genus Salix, are around 400 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
The main medicinal value of willow bark is that it is high in salicylates. Salicylic acid, an active ingredient in many anti-inflammatory drugs, such as the classic aspirin, was first discovered in willow bark. Of course, in addition to salicylates, mainly salicin and salidroside, willow bark contains many other biologically active compounds – tannins, luteolin and others. Willow bark is used to isolate and maintain luteolin standard. Preparations made from the CO2 extract of the willow bark can be recommended as a substance for the preparation of agents for thinning the blood (lowering viscosity), for the treatment of tonsillitis, headache and joint pain, a number of gynecological diseases and prostatitis in men.
Willow bark extract is not used in the food industry. However, a number of manufacturers produce food supplements based on willow bark.
The CO2 extract of the willow bark is a yellow-orange, oily liquid with a characteristic woody aroma and a bitter, oily taste.
Chart 1. The main components of the CO2 extract of the willow bark
| NAME | CONTENT IN% OF THE AMOUNT OF VOLATILE COMPONENTS | EFFECT |
|---|---|---|
| Salicin | 5,2 | Antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. An analog of aspirin. |
| Luteolin | 3,5 | Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, antiviral. |
| Esculetin | 2,7 | Antispasmodic, vasoconstrictor, antibacterial. |
| Salidroside | 2,2 | Anabolic, anti-stress, adaptogenic. |
| Kempferol | Toning, capillary strengthening, anti-inflammatory. | |
| Diosmetin | 1,4 | Bactericidal, antioxidant. |
| Cineol | Expectorant, disinfectant, analgesic, antiseptic | |
| Linoleic acid | 2,1 | It is an essential omega-6 fatty acid and belongs to the group of vitamin-like compounds. reduces the risk of the occurrence and development of high blood pressure, and also helps fight obesity. Helps to reduce blood clotting, should be avoided in diabetes. |
| Oleic acid | 15 | It belongs to the group of unsaturated omega-9 fatty acids. Reduces the risk of heart disease. Blocks the absorption of cholesterol. Improves blood vessel walls. Relieves inflammation. Promotes the recovery and regeneration of nerve cells. |
The CO2 willow bark extract works on dandruff, seborrhea and masks to strengthen the hair and against itchy scalp. When caring for oily hair, the extract regulates the secretion of sebum and improves the metabolic processes in the scalp. The extract can also be used in skin cleansers and as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
Willow is widespread in the temperate climate zone. Even in ancient Greece, willow bark was considered a medicine and the willow itself was considered the tree of the goddess of spirits and witchcraft, Hecate. Willow bark based products were recommended by Avicenna and the 14th century Salerno Health Code. Later on, traditional healers, certified healers, and doctors constantly turned to the medicine of willow bark.
Chart 2. Application rates, recommendations for the use and storage of the CO2 extract from willow bark
| Food usage rates | Not used in food |
| Application rates in cosmetics | Item А10: 1-3% Item А100: 0.1-0.3% Item EMA1 (water soluble microemulsions): 10-30% Item EMA5 (water-soluble microemulsions): 2-6%I |
| Recommendations for use | It is recommended to add CO2 extracts in the final stages of preparation, in the cooling phase of the end product. |
| Storage Instructions | Storage advice |