FolkKB

Willow

Salix

Salix is a genus of willow plants utilized across various traditional medicinal systems. Historically, these plants have been applied to address uterine prolapse, staunch wounds, provoke urine, and treat warts, corns, or blood fluxes. Scientific evidence regarding therapeutic efficacy is limited, though studies on Salix alba L. mediated silver nanoparticles suggest antimicrobial activity and concentration-dependent cytogenetic effects in mice bone marrow cells. Other research focuses on environmental remediation and salt tolerance rather than human clinical outcomes. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
uterine prolapse · staunch wounds
Traditions
Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Salix alba L-mediated silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity and concentration-dependent cytogenetic effects on mice bone marrow cells. D PMID
  • This study found that three shrub willow clones exhibit varying Pb(II) remediation capabilities, with Salix integra clone P336 showing significant responses at the cellular and molecular levels. D PMID
  • The study found that a synergistic application of Ascophyllum nodosum, Salix aegyptiaca, and gum arabic improved salt tolerance in Rubia tinctorum. D PMID
  • The phenolic profile varied significantly between Salix species, with S. bicolor showing particular interest due to high flavanonol and flavone contents. D PMID
  • Caterpillars preferred male Salix arctica leaves early in the season, while pikas showed no preference later, suggesting sex-biased herbivory may influence plant populations. D PMID
  • The study found that organic extracts of Salix alba showed superior antibacterial activity compared to aqueous extracts, though no specific effect on S. alba was reported. D PMID
  • The study identified 43 SpSnRK genes in Salix gordejevii, classified into three subfamilies, with differential expression patterns under drought and nitrogen deposition stress. D PMID
  • P-deficient conditions accelerated the development of apoplastic barriers in Salix caprea, reducing cadmium translocation and accumulation in leaves. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Willow?

Willow (Salix) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Willow traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Willow for: uterine prolapse, staunch wounds, provoke urine, warts and corns, blood fluxes. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Willow?

Willow appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Willow?

8 sourced findings are recorded for Willow; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Salix alba L-mediated silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity and concentration-dependent cytogenetic effects on mice bone marrow cells.

How strong is the evidence for Willow?

The strongest finding for Willow carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Willow safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Willow in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Willow interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Willow in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Willow?

Willow is also known as: ива, saule.

Is Willow a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Synergistic application of Ascophyllum nodosum, Salix aegyptiaca, and gum arabic improves salt tolerance in Rubia tinctorum. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Lead remediation capabilities of three shrub willow clones and the cellular, physiological and molecular responses of Salix integra to Lead stress. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Green biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Salix alba: antimicrobial and cytogenetic effects on mitosis. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Can Herbivore Feeding Preferences Reinforce the Female-Biased Sex Ratio in an Alpine Willow? literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Antibacterial activity, phytochemical profiling and ADMET prediction of bioactive compounds in Origanum syriacum and Salix alba. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Investigation of the Phenolic Profile and Chemotaxonomical Screening of Twelve Salix Species During Growing Season. literature abstract metadata
  7. T2 Phosphorus-Deficiency-Induced Development of Root Apoplastic Barriers Restricts Cadmium Translocation in Salix caprea. literature abstract metadata
  8. T2 Genome-wide identification of the SnRK gene family in willow and expression analysis under abiotic stress. literature abstract metadata
  9. T3 Willow CC BY-SA 4.0

More Salix plants