White willow bark is the original aspirin — it contains salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid (aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid). A 2001 Cochrane review found willow bark extract (240mg salicin/day) reduced low back pain by 39% — comparable to rofecoxib (Vioxx). Unlike aspirin, willow bark causes LESS GI irritation because salicin is converted to salicylic acid in the liver (not the stomach). Dose: 120-240mg salicin/day. Assalix® is the standardized extract. Same antiplatelet and drug interaction cautions as aspirin. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.