Evidence supporting the use of: Willow (unspecified)
For the body system: Joints
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Willow, specifically the bark of the willow tree (Salix spp.), has a long history of use in traditional medicine for alleviating pain and inflammation associated with joint issues such as arthritis. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks. The scientific basis for willow’s effect on the joints lies in its content of salicin, a chemical that the body metabolizes into salicylic acid, which is related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Modern clinical studies have shown that willow bark extracts can modestly reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis and lower back pain. For example, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated statistically significant reductions in pain scores among participants using willow bark compared to placebo. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses also support its efficacy, though the effect size is generally moderate, and results can vary depending on the preparation and dosage. Willow bark is thought to exert anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the safety profile is generally favorable, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than synthetic NSAIDs, although allergic reactions and interactions with anticoagulants are possible. In summary, willow’s use for supporting joint health is supported by both traditional and modern scientific evidence, with moderate-quality data indicating it can help reduce joint pain and inflammation in certain populations.
Other ingredients that support Joints
alfalfaalgal oil
amino acids
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
black cumin
black currant
sesame
borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
cabbage leaf
calamari oil
cartilage
cat's claw
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
devil's claw
dog rose
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
gokhru
gooseberry
gotu kola
green lipped mussel
guggul
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
krill oil
l-proline
mackerel
manganese
marine lipid
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-glucosamine
nettle
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
phellodendron amurense
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
protein
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rose hips
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
silicon
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
water
white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
capsicum
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
rubia cordifolia
chaff flower
peony
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
myrrh
juniper berries
solomon's seal
siler root
flowering quince
dioscorea
teasel
eucommia
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
yucca
barrenwort
wintergreen
camphor oil
coix
gentiana macrophylla
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
gravel root
bladderwrack
arnica
clematis
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Aralia
Animal Tissue
Antler
Avian Cartilage
Achyranthes
Anamu
Avocado
Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
Abuta
Amor seco
Animal protein
Bone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Biopeptide
Babchi
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bugbane
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
berry
Bogbean
Black Gram
Boswellia
Black Poplar
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bone Protein
Bee products
Bombax
Borage
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Bee venom
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Curculigo orchicides
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Crustaceans
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Capsaicin
Chuchuhuasi
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Cissus sicyoides
Chicken
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Chebulinic acid
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Elephant Vine
Egg
Elk antler
Emu Oil
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
European-Five Finger Grass
Escin
Eucommia ulmoides
Ecklonia
Flavonoids
Fang-Feng
Fish
Fatty acids
Glycine
Glycosaminoglycans
Little ironweed