Babylon Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
Salix babylonica is a willow species utilized within various traditional medicinal practices. It has been historically applied to address rheumatism, fever, infections, jaundice, malaria, and sores, while also serving as an astringent and vermifuge. Scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic properties is limited; some studies suggest its methanolic extract may influence glucose levels and gene expression in diabetic models, though results for other parameters remain mixed. Research also indicates that certain flavonoids in its branches may affect insect feeding behavior. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- rheumatism · fever
- Traditions
- TCM · Western phytotherapy · traditional · Unani
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- rheumatism
- fever
- infections
- astringent
- carbuncle
- gonorrhea
- jaundice
- malaria
- sores
- vermifuge
What the science says
- The study found that host volatiles play a role in the rhythmic host alternation behavior of the mulberry longhorn beetle between feeding on mulberry and ovipositing on willow trees.
- Salix babylonica methanolic extract showed some improvements in glucose levels and gene expression in diabetic rats but changes in other parameters were mixed.
- All fractions of the Tristerix corymbosus extract showed activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, with the brown powder being the most potent.
- The study found that flavonoids in 2-cm diameter Salix babylonica branches negatively correlate with Asian longhorned beetle feeding consumption.
Frequently asked questions
What is Babylon Weeping Willow?
Babylon Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Babylon Weeping Willow traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Babylon Weeping Willow for: rheumatism, fever, infections, astringent, carbuncle, gonorrhea. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Babylon Weeping Willow?
Babylon Weeping Willow appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Western phytotherapy, traditional, Unani.
What does the scientific evidence say about Babylon Weeping Willow?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Babylon Weeping Willow; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that host volatiles play a role in the rhythmic host alternation behavior of the mulberry longhorn beetle between feeding on mulberry and ovipositing on willow trees.
How strong is the evidence for Babylon Weeping Willow?
The strongest finding for Babylon Weeping Willow carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Babylon Weeping Willow safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Babylon Weeping Willow in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Babylon Weeping Willow interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Babylon Weeping Willow in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Babylon Weeping Willow?
Babylon Weeping Willow is also known as: Ива вавилонская, saule pleureur.
Is Babylon Weeping 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Size-structured flavonoid distribution in Salix babylonica branches modulates Anoplophora glabripennis feeding behavior: A novel mechanistic target for eco-friendly antifeedant development. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tristerix corymbosus (L) Kuijt, a Chilean Mistletoe Species Hosted on Salix babylonica (L). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effect of methanolic extract of Salix babylonica on biochemical parameters and gene expression in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Role of Host Volatiles in Regulating the Rhythmic Host Alternation in the Mulberry Longhorn Beetle, Apriona germari. literature abstract metadata