Written by Jessica Patella, ND. A study with 210 people indicated that 39% of participants in the high dose willow bark group are pain free and only 4% in the high dose group required their pain medication, while 47% of the people in the placebo group required their pain medication.
Low back pain is the most common disability in Americans under the age of 45 years and is the third most common reason for surgery (1). Low back pain is also one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor (1). Extracts from the bark of willow (Salix) trees have been used as treatment for low back pain in Europe, but not yet in the United States (2). Recent research looked at the effectiveness of willow bark extract on low back pain and found it to be effective (2).
The research included 210 participants with chronic low back pain in a four-week trial. Chronic low back pain is defined as pain lasting 3 months or longer, because connective tissue from an acute injury should normally heal within 6-12 weeks (1,2). All participants rated their pain level at 5 or higher (out of 10) on a visual pain scale (2).
Participants were randomly divided into one of the following groups, with 70 participants in each group:
- Low Dose Group – Received willow bark extract capsules with 120 mg of salicin
- High Dose Group – Received willow bark extract capsules with 240 mg of salicin
- Placebo Group – Received capsules with lactose (2).
Participants were allowed to continue taking their prescribed pain medication (tramadol) (2).
By the fourth and final week of the trial, 39% of participants in the high dose willow bark group, 21% in the low dose willow bark group and 6% in the placebo group reported being pain-free (p<0.001) (2). Pain-free was defined as 5 or more days without pain. The response of being pain-free began in the high dose group after the first week of treatment (2).
By the end of week 4, only 4% in the high dose group and only 14% in the low dose group required their prescribed pain medication (tramadol). In the placebo group, 47% were still taking their pain medication (p<0.001).
There was only one adverse event during the trail, which was an allergy to willow bark (swollen eyes, itching) in the low dose group. This resolved two days after stopping the willow bark capsule (2).
In conclusion, with the low incidence of adverse effects and the effectiveness of willow bark extract this study suggests 240 mg of salicin from willow bark extract may be an effective alternative for relief of low back pain (2). Salicin is a component of willow bark which is converted in the body to salicylic acid- which is the main material to which aspirin converts. The normal USA dose of aspirin in 325 mg. Willow bark may also be an alternative for people who cannot tolerate NSAIDs* due to their adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract (2). Research over a longer period of time should still be considered.
Source: Chrubasik, Sigrun, et al. “Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study.” The American journal of medicine 109.1 (2000): 9-14.
© 2000 by Excerpta Medica, Inc., © 2017 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors.
Posted June 25, 2012.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Low back pain. Posted on the Medscape website.
- Chrubasik S, et al. Treatment of Low Back Pain Exacerbations with Willow Bark Extract: A Randomized Double-Blind Study. Am J Med. 2000; 109:9-14.
