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salicins

Salicins are a class of glycosidic compounds found primarily in plants of the willow family (Salicaceae), with salicin being the most well-known member of this group. These naturally occurring substances are classified as phenolic glycosides and serve as important secondary metabolites in various plant species.

The primary salicin compound was first isolated from willow bark in the 19th century and represents one

Salicins are predominantly found in willow species (Salix), including white willow (Salix alba) and black willow

Historically, salicin-rich willow bark extracts were used in traditional medicine across various cultures to treat pain,

The biosynthesis of salicins occurs through the phenylpropanoid pathway in plants, where benzoic acid derivatives are

Today, salicins are studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. They are sometimes included

of
the
earliest
examples
of
plant-derived
medicinal
compounds.
Salicin
itself
consists
of
a
glucose
molecule
bound
to
saligenin,
making
it
a
beta-glucoside.
When
metabolized
in
the
human
body,
salicin
is
converted
to
salicylic
acid,
which
is
the
active
compound
responsible
for
its
therapeutic
effects.
(Salix
nigra).
They
are
also
present
in
poplar
trees
and
some
other
members
of
the
Salicaceae
family.
The
concentration
of
these
compounds
varies
significantly
among
different
species
and
can
be
influenced
by
factors
such
as
seasonal
changes,
environmental
conditions,
and
plant
maturity.
inflammation,
and
fever.
Modern
pharmaceutical
research
led
to
the
development
of
aspirin
(acetylsalicylic
acid)
based
on
the
salicylic
acid
structure
derived
from
salicin
metabolism.
glycosylated
to
form
these
protective
compounds.
Plants
produce
salicins
as
part
of
their
defense
mechanisms
against
herbivores
and
pathogens,
as
well
as
for
UV
protection.
in
natural
health
products
and
dietary
supplements,
though
their
use
should
be
approached
with
caution
due
to
potential
interactions
with
blood-thinning
medications
and
other
pharmaceuticals.