Investigations on the compliance of some willow samples in trade to the european pharmacopoeia

Due to their salicin content, the Salix species (Salicaceae) have been utilized as a treatment of various disorders in the traditional medicine field through human history. Products are sold under the name of willow bark and leaves on the market, This study includes the investigation of six different willow bark samples sold under the name of "Willow bark" according to the criteria defined in the European Pharmacopoeia 7.0. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations, foreign matter determination, loss on drying testing, total ash determination, identification reactions as well as TLC and HPTLC analysis. Experiments were performed on each willow bark sample. The results of each experiment were evaluated by comparing the results obtained from the Salicis cortex materials. The Willow bark was compared with the reference standard by thin layer chromatography. The results indicated that none of the six materials examined were found to be suitable for pharmacopeia. This study reveals the question of the reliability of spice sellers, which are perceived as the supply center for herbal products, and the necessity of supervising the products sold.