[amelygrimes]

Salicin Introduction

Salicin is a bitter white crystalline glucoside, found in the bark and leaves of several willows and poplars and used in medicine like salicylic acid. It is a member of the glucoside family of chemicals and is used as an analgesic and antipyretic. Salicin is used as a precursor for the synthesis of salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin.

Where Are Salicin Extracted From?

White willow bark is a tree (salix alba) native to Europe and Asia. The name "white willow" comes from the color of the leaves, which are covered with fine white hairs. It is the most well known source of this compound, but it is found in a number of other trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants as well being synthesized commercially.