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Posted by KingAndysDad on March 06, 2003 at 15:09:18:
In Reply to: Re: Black Jack\'s home!! I\'ve got a med question... posted by Deerhounds on March 03, 2003 at 00:50:16:
:One interesting study published in the journal Rheumatology in 2001 found that the herb white willow bark (salicin) was equally effective as the drug rofecoxib (Vioxx) in relieving pain, and caused half as many digestive problems:
:"The study involved 228 subjects with low back pain that were divided into two groups. One group was treated with 240 mg of salicin per day, while the other was treated with 12.5-mg of the anti-inflammatory drug rofecoxib (Vioxx®) for four weeks. In all measures of pain relief, willow bark was found to be as effective as rofecoxib, a member of a new class of anti-inflammatory agents known as COX-2 inhibitors.
:"COX-2 inhibitors are considered to be superior to ordinary anti-inflammatory drugs because they are less likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects. Previous
:European clinical trials have shown that willow bark also has a very low
:incidence of causing gastrointestinal distress but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. However, it is interesting to note that more than twice as many participants in the rofecoxib group as in the willow bark group had to leave the study because of severe gastrointestinal complaints (7.9% vs. 3.5%)."
:(Rheumatology 2001;40:1388-93)
:I have also seen some statistics that suggest that the COX-2 inhibitors (Rimadyl, Deramaxx being the only two currently approved for use in dogs) interfere with bone healing and wound healing, two things I'd want to avoid at all costs after surgery, especially orthopedic surgery. (Journal of Orthopaedic Research, November 2002.)
Interesting studies. Of course, salicin from willow bark is simply the natural form of aspirin, and metabolizes to salicylic acid in the body. And both aspirin and salicin are COX inhibitors as well, primarily COX-1 but also COX-2 to some extent. The only real benefit of salicin over aspirin is the reduction in gastric effects as observed above. I'd rather use aspirin as it is more effective and less toxic, and the purity and dosage is guaranteed. And of course willow bark/salicin will have all the same adverse effects as aspirin, including increased risk of stroke and internal bleeding, and can accelerate the destruction of collagen in the joints. So if you use either one you should also include collagen protective treatments like glucosamine/chondroitan.