What is "salicin"

Salicin \Sal"i*cin\, n. [L. salix, -icis, a willow: cf. F. salicine. See Sallow the tree.] (Chem.) A glucoside found in the bark and leaves of several species of willow ( Salix) and poplar, and extracted as a bitter white crystalline substance. also called salicyl alcohol glucoside, salicyl alcohol [beta]-D-glucopyranoside, or saligenin [beta]-D-glucopyranoside, C13H18O7. It is used in biochemistry as a standard substrate for evaluating the potency of [beta]-glucosidase in enzymatic preparations. It is also an analgesic.

n. A glucoside derivative of salicylic acid; the active principle of willow bark, once used medicinally.

Salicin is an alcoholic β- glucoside. Salicin is produced in (and named after) willow (Salix) bark and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the human body. Salicin is also commonly found in the bark of Populus species, and the leaves of willows and poplars. It is also found in castoreum, which was used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. The activity of castoreum has been credited to the accumulation of salicin from willow trees in the beaver's diet, which is transformed to salicylic acid and has an action very similar to aspirin. Salicin was the historical origin of aspirin and is chemically related to it. When consumed, the acetalic ether bridge is broken down. The two parts of the molecule, glucose and salicyl alcohol, then are metabolized separately. By oxidizing the alcohol function the aromatic part finally is metabolized to salicylic acid. Salicin tastes bitter like quinine. Alkaline cleavage of the glucoside populin produces benzoate and salicin.

Mild side effects are standard, with rare occurrences of nausea, vomiting, rash, dizziness and breathing problems. Overdose from high quantities of salicin can be toxic, damaging kidneys, causing stomach ulcers, diarrhea, bleeding or digestive discomfort. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to salicylates and suffer reactions similar to those produced by aspirin. People should not take salicin if they have asthma, diabetes, gout, gastritis, hemophilia, stomach ulcers; also contraindicated are children under 16, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.