Willow bark is a source of salicin, which is considered to be the natural and original form of modern day aspirin. Willow bark use dates back to 400 BC when patients were told to chew on the bark to lower fever and inflammation because of its non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is commonly added to fat-burner pills as an adjunct for weight loss.
The willow bark extract that is sold in Europe and the United States typically includes a combination of the bark from white, crack, and purple willows and will sell for approximately $40 for a 4 oz bottle or $20 for a 60-capsule bottle.
How It Works
Willow bark has been used for centuries in Europe and China, and continues to be used today as a natural substitute to aspirin for the treatment of pain, headache, and inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis. Willow bark seems to take more time than aspirin to produce any effects, but those effects may last longer because it lingers in the body more than synthetic salicin products do, thus providing greater and more constant pain relief.
When assisting with weight loss, willow bark presents no benefits by itself. However, when combined with other dietary supplements, the tannins in the willow bark is believed to prolong or enhance the activity of numerous thermogenic ingredients in increasing energy expenditure and fat metabolism.
Scientific Evidence
Studies have concluded that willow bark extract is well tolerated, safe, and effective, and works just as well as aspirin when it comes to providing moderate pain relief. However, I found no scientific studies that confirm willow bark enhances the activity of thermogenic ingredients. Although tannins do inhibit fat deposits, there is not enough evidence to prove that it significantly increases fat oxidation to provide weight loss.
Side Effects
Mild side effects have been reported, such as gastrointestinal irritation and ulcers, but all compounds containing salicylates can cause these conditions. Overdoses of willow bark may cause ringing in the ears, stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and kidney inflammation.
Sources
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/willow-bark-000281.htm
http://www.nextag.com/willow-bark-extract/search-html
http://www.supplementwatch.com/supLib/supplement.asp?DocId=1239
http://www.ats.org/news.php?id=23
Post new comment