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D-(−)-salicin

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Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

0:59

Harvesting Willow Bark for Survival Nature's Aspirin

5:45

How aspirin was discovered - Krishna Sudhir

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Incredible Cloning Weeping Willow Biotech Auxin and Salicin / Salicylic Acid

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Willow Bark Extract by Steam Distillation, Origina of Aspirin Benefits of Willow Bark Extract

Salicin is an alcoholic β-glucoside. Salicin is produced in 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 that of 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.
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