Nutritional Supplement

Willow

  • Negative Interactions

    26
    • White Willow

      Bismuth Subsalicylate

      Potential Negative Interaction

      Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates. Various herbs including meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar (Populus tremuloides),willow (Salix alba), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) contain salicylates as well. Though similar to aspirin, plant salicylates have been shown to have different actions in test tube studies. Furthermore, salicylates are poorly absorbed and likely do not build up to levels sufficient to cause negative interactions that aspirin might. No reports have been published of negative interactions between salicylate-containing plants and aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs. Therefore concerns about combining salicylate-containing herbs remain theoretical, and the risk of causing problems appears to be low.

      Bismuth Subsalicylate
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Wichtl M, Bisset NG, eds. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals Stuttgart: Medpharm GmBH Scientific Publishers. 1994.
      2. Janssen PL, Katan MB, van Staveren WA, et al. Acetylsalicylate and salicylates in foods. Cancer Lett 1997:114(1-2):163-4.
      3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Product Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 154-5.
    • White Willow

      Celecoxib

      Potential Negative Interaction

      Willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin and celecoxib together increases the likelihood of developing stomach and intestinal ulcers. Though no studies have investigated a similar interaction between willow bark and celecoxib, people taking the drug should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Celecoxib
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2901-4.
    • White Willow

      Diclofenac-Misoprostol

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Diclofenac-Misoprostol
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Diflunisal

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Diflunisal
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Etodolac

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Etodolac
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Fenoprofen

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Fenoprofen
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Flurbiprofen

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Flurbiprofen
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Ibuprofen

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Ibuprofen
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Indomethacin

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Indomethacin
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Ketoprofen

      Potential Negative Interaction

      Willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The interaction between salicylic acid and ketoprofen is complex. While it may enhance the effectiveness of ketoprofen, salicylic acid also speeds its elimination from the body. Consequently, people taking ketoprofen should avoid herbal products that contain willow bark.

      Ketoprofen
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285-8.
    • White Willow

      Ketorolac

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Ketorolac
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Live Influenza Vaccine Intranasal

      Potential Negative Interaction

      Willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, a substance similar to aspirin. Aspirin should not be given to children receiving live influenza virus due to the possible link to Reye's syndrome. The same adverse interaction result could theoretically happen if children were to take a willow-containing product following FluMist®.

    • White Willow

      Meclofenamate

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Meclofenamate
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Mefenamic Acid

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Mefenamic Acid
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Meloxicam

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Meloxicam
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Nabumetone

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Nabumetone
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Naproxen

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Naproxen
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Oxaprozin

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Oxaprozin
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Repaglinide

      Potential Negative Interaction

      Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin together with repaglinide enhances the blood-sugar-lowering effects of the drug, which might result in unwanted side effects. Controlled research is needed to determine whether taking willow bark together with repaglinide might produce similar effects.

      Repaglinide
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2071-3.
    • White Willow

      Salsalate

      Potential Negative Interaction

      Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Salsalate, salicin, and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin at the same time as other salicylate drugs can result in adverse effects, such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, headache, confusion, and diarrhea. Though there are no studies specifically investigating an interaction between willow bark and salsalate, people taking salsalate should probably avoid using the herb until more information is available.

      Salsalate
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 1661-2.
    • White Willow

      Sulindac

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Sulindac
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Tolmetin

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Tolmetin
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Valdecoxib

      Potential Negative Interaction

      White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs. Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Valdecoxib
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172-90.
    • White Willow

      Zafirlukast

      Potential Negative Interaction

      Willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, a substance similar to aspirin. Research has shown that aspirin significantly increases blood levels of zafirlukast, which would increase the likelihood of side effects from zafirlukast. The same thing could theoretically happen if people took willow bark along with zafirlukast, although no studies have investigated this specific interaction. People may want to avoid combining willow bark with zafirlukast due to the possibility of increased side effects.

      Zafirlukast
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Kelloway JS. Zafirlukast: the first leukotriene-receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of asthma. Ann Pharmacother 1997;31(9):1012-21.
    • White Willow

      Diclofenac

      Reduces Effectiveness

      Willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of aspirin to individuals taking diclofenac results in a significant reduction in blood levels of diclofenac. Though there are no studies investigating interactions between willow bark and diclofenac, people taking the drug should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Diclofenac
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Davies NM, Anderson KE. Clinical pharmacokinetics of diclofenac. Therapeutic insights and pitfalls. Clin Pharmacokinet 1997;33:184-213.
    • White Willow

      Nadolol

      Reduces Effectiveness

      The active compound in willow (Salix alba), salicin, is converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking salicylates with other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs has resulted in decreased absorption of the drugs. Therefore, until more is known about the interaction between willow and nadolol, they should not be taken at the same time.

      Nadolol
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Burnham TH, ed. Cardiovascular Agents, Antiadrenergics/Sympatholytics, Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2000, 467-79.
  • Supportive Interactions

    1
    • White Willow

      Metoclopramide

      Support Medicine

      Salicylic acid is a compound formed in the body from either aspirin or willow bark (Salix alba). Taking metoclopramide before aspirin or willow bark results in higher concentrations of salicylic acid and greater pain relief in people suffering from an acute migraine headache. Controlled studies are necessary to confirm the benefit of this interaction.

      Metoclopramide
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Miner JO. Drug interactions involving aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and salicylic acid. Clin Pharmacokinet 1989;17:327-44.
  • Explanation Required

    1
    • White Willow

      Piroxicam

      Needs Explanation

      Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. Taking aspirin significantly lowers blood levels of piroxicam and increases the potential for adverse side effects. Though no studies have investigated interactions between willow bark and piroxicam, people taking the drug should avoid the herb until more information is available.

      Piroxicam
      White Willow
      ×
      1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2342-4.

References

1. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 224-6.

2. Mills SY, Jacoby RK, Chacksfield M, Willoughby M. Effect of a proprietary herbal medicine on the relief of chronic arthritic pain: A double-blind study. Br J Rheum 1996;35:874-8.

3. Schmid B, Tschirdewahn B, Kàtter I, et al. Analgesic effects of willow bark extract in osteoarthritis: results of a clinical double-blind trial. Fact 1998;3:186.

4. Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, Balan E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: A randomized double-blind study. Am J Med 2000;109:9-14.

5. Mills SY, Jacoby RK, Chacksfield M, Willoughby M. Effect of a proprietary herbal medicine on the relief of chronic arthritic pain: A double-blind study. Br J Rheum 1996;35:874-8.

6. Schmid B, Tschirdewahn B, Kàtter I, et al. Analgesic effects of willow bark extract in osteoarthritis: results of a clinical double-blind trial. Fact 1998;3:186.

7. Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, Balan E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: A randomized double-blind study. Am J Med 2000;109:9-14.

8. Mills SY, Jacoby RK, Chacksfield M, Willoughby M. Effect of a proprietary herbal medicine on the relief of chronic arthritic pain: A double-blind study. Br J Rheum 1996;35:874-8.

9. Upton R, Petrone C, eds. Willow bark (Salix spp.) monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 1999.

10. Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, Balan E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: A randomized double-blind study. Am J Med 2000;109:9-14.

11. Hedner T, Everts B. The early clinical history of salicylates in rheumatology and pain. Clin Rheumatol 1998;17:17-25.

12. Cherng CH, Wong CS, Ho ST. Spinal actions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Acta Anaesthesiol Sin 1996;34:81-8.

13. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York: Haworth Press, 1999, 200-4.

14. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 31, 303.

15. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 210-1.

16. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 230.

17. Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, Balan E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: A randomized double-blind study. Am J Med 2000;109:9-14.

18. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 230.

19. Boullata JI, McDonnell PJ, Oliva CD. Anaphylactic reaction to a dietary supplement containing willow bark. Ann Pharmacother 2003;37:832-5.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.