Related Terms

• Aspen, balm of gilead, cottonwood, pando, poplar, popple, Populus sieboldii, Populus tremula L., Populus tremuloides, quaking aspen, Salicaceae (family), the trembling giant.

Background

• Populus is a genus of trees that includes the cottonwoods, poplars, and aspens, all of which are sometimes termed poplars or popples. Most of the available scientific evidence has reported on aspen, and there are very few reports mentioning cottonwood.

• Aspen is a deciduous tree native to northern hemisphere temperate climates. Although aspen has shown antibacterial and antiplatelet activity, there is currently insufficient available evidence in humans to support the use of aspen for any indication.

• Aspen pollen, bark, wood, and saw dust are known to cause allergic reactions in sensitive people, including contact dermatitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, and asthma, and there may be cross-sensitivity to other tree pollens, especially in the Salicaceae family.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists poplar buds (Populus balsamifera, P. candicans Ait., and P. nigra L.) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for flavoring.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet (blood thinner), rheumatism.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for Populus species in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for Populus species in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Populus species.

• Salicyl alcohol and salicylaldehyde in aspen bark, wood, and sawdust may cause contact allergic reactions, such as skin rash or eczema.

Side Effects and Warnings

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists poplar buds (Populus balsamifera, P. candicans Ait., and P. nigra L.) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for flavoring.

• Salicyl alcohol and salicylaldehyde in aspen bark, wood, and sawdust may cause contact allergic reactions, such as skin rash or eczema.

• Aspen pollen may cause allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma and there may be cross-sensitivity with other tree pollens, especially in the Salicaceae family.

• Use cautiously in patients with coagulation or platelet (blood clotting) disorders or taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets (blood thinners).

• Use cautiously in patients with sensitivity to aspen pollen, bark, wood, or sawdust, or other species of the Salicaceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Populus species are not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Extracts from aspen bark may have antibiotic effects. Use cautiously with antibiotic medications due to possible additive effects.

• Populus may increase the risk of bleeding when taking with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders; dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Aspen contains salicylates and thus may have anti-inflammatory properties. Caution is advised when taking aspen with other anti-inflammatory agents, especially aspirin.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Extracts from aspen bark may have antibacterial effects. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements with antibacterial activity due to possible additive effects.

• Populus may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto.

• Aspen contains salicylates and thus may have anti-inflammatory properties. Caution is advised when taking aspen with other anti-inflammatory agents. Willow bark contains high amounts of salicin and may have additive effects with aspen.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Aalto-Korte K, Valimaa J, Henriks-Eckerman ML, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from salicyl alcohol and salicylaldehyde in aspen bark (Populus tremula). Contact Dermatitis 2005;52(2):93-95. View Abstract

2. Celik G, Mungan D, Pinar M, et al. Poplar pollen-related allergy in Ankara, Turkey: how important for patients living in a city with high pollen load? Allergy Asthma Proc 2005;26(2):113-119. View Abstract

3. Eriksson NE, Wihl JA, Arrendal H, et al. Tree pollen allergy. III. Cross reactions based on results from skin prick tests and the RAST in hay fever patients. A multi-centre study. Allergy 1987;42(3):205-214. View Abstract

4. Estlander T, Jolanki R, Alanko K, et al. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by wood dusts. Contact Dermatitis 2001;44(4):213-217. View Abstract

5. Faustova NM, Faustova ME, Deineko IP. [Antibacterial activity of aspen bark extracts against some pneumotropic microorganisms]. Zh.Mikrobiol.Epidemiol.Immunobiol. 2006;(3):3-7. View Abstract

6. Ince A, Kart L, Demir R, et al. Allergenic pollen in the atmosphere of Kayseri, Turkey. Asian Pac.J Allergy Immunol 2004;22(2-3):123-132. View Abstract

7. Jolanki R, Suhonen R, Henriks-Eckerman ML, et al. Contact allergy to salicyl alcohol in aspen bark. Contact Dermatitis 1997;37(6):304-305. View Abstract

8. Kagawa K, Tokura K, Uchida K, et al. Platelet aggregation inhibitors from Populus sieboldii Miquel. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 1992;40(8):2191-2192. View Abstract

9. Thiede WH, Banaszak EF, Fink JN, et al. Hypersensitivity studies in popple (Aspen tree) peelers. Chest 1975;67(4):405-407. View Abstract

10. Von Kruedener S, Schneider W, Elstner EF. A combination of Populus tremula, Solidago virgaurea and Fraxinus excelsior as an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drug. A short review. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995;45(2):169-171. View Abstract

11. Yazicioglu M, Oner N, Celtik C, et al. Sensitization to common allergens, especially pollens, among children with respiratory allergy in the Trakya region of Turkey. Asian Pac.J Allergy Immunol 2004;22(4):183-190. View Abstract