willow tree is a natural source of salicylic acid.
willow tree is a natural source of salicylic acid.
what is a natural source of salicylic acid?
willow tree
salicylic acid (from latin "salix", "willow tree") is a lipophilic monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid, and a beta hydroxy acid (bha). it has the formula cho. this colorless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone. it is derived from the metabolism of salicin. in addition to serving as an important active metabolite of aspirin ("acetylsalicylic acid"), which acts in part as a prodrug to salicylic acid, it is probably best known for its use as a key ingredient in topical anti-acne products. the salts and esters of salicylic acid are known as salicylates.
salicylic acid
salicylic acid occurs in plants as free salicylic acid and its carboxylated esters and phenolic glycosides. several studies suggest that humans metabolize salicylic acid in measurable quantities from these plants; one study found that vegetarians not taking aspirin had urinary levels of salicylic acid higher than the non-vegetarians. dietary sources of salicylic acid and their interaction with drugs such as aspirin have not been well studied. ongoing clinical studies of people with aspirin-induced asthma have shown some benefits of a diet low in salicylic acid.
salicylic acid