Aspen
OTHER NAME(S): American Aspen, European Aspen, Peuplier Faux-Tremble, Populi Cortex, Populi Folium, Quaking Aspen, Trembling Aspen, Zitter-Pappel, Populus tremuloides, Populus tremula, Álamo Temblón, Peuplier Faux-tremble
Overview
Aspen is a tree. The bark and leaf are used to make medicine.
Aspen is used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), nerve pain, and pain due to pressure on the sciatic nerve (sciatica), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin that may reduce pain and swelling (inflammation).
Aspen contains a chemical that is very similar to aspirin that may reduce pain and swelling (inflammation).
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Nerve pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the prostate due to infection.
- Pain due to pressure on the sciatic nerve (sciatica).
- Infections of the kidney, bladder or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of aspen for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if aspen is safe or what the side effects might be. Skin reactions, such as rashes, can occur after handling aspen leaves or bark.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if aspen is safe or what the side effects might be. Skin reactions, such as rashes, can occur after handling aspen leaves or bark.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if aspen is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Aspirin allergy: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. It may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to aspirin.
Stomach ulcers: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make stomach ulcers worse.
Gout: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make gout worse.
Low levels of the blood clotting protein prothrombin (hypoprothrombinemia): Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make some blood disorders worse.
Liver disease: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make liver disease worse.
Kidney disease: Aspen contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. This may make kidney disease worse.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Aspirin interacts with AspenAspen contains chemicals which are similar to aspirin. There is some concern that taking aspen along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate) interacts with AspenAspen contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate). There is some concern that taking aspen along with choline magnesium trisalicylate might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate.
- Salsalate (Disalcid) interacts with AspenAspen contains chemicals that are similar to salsalate (Disalcid). There is some concern that taking aspen along with salsalate might increase the effects and side effects of salsalate.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of aspen depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for aspen. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Williamson EM, Evans FJ, eds. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, England: CW Daniel Company Ltd., 1998.
- Goodman LS, Gilman A. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 5th ed. New York, NY: Macmillan Publ. Co., Inc., 1975.
- Hoffman D. The herbal handbook: a user's guide to medical herbalism. rev ed. Rochester, VT:Healing Arts Press, 1998.
- Aalto-Korte K, Välimaa J, Henriks-Eckerman ML, Jolanki R. Allergic contact dermatitis from salicyl alcohol and salicylaldehyde in aspen bark (Populus tremula). Contact Dermatitis 2005;52(2):93-5.
- Oka M, Tachibana M, Noda K, Inoue N, Tanaka M, Kuwabara K. Relevance of anti-reactive oxygen species activity to anti-inflammatory activity of components of eviprostat, a phytotherapeutic agent for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Phytomedicine 2007;14(7-8):465-72.