Cadmium contamination in food supplements containing white willow (Salix alba) bark

Abstract

Commercial dietary supplements containing Salix alba bark are used for weight loss and athletic performance enhancement. A systematic literature review on adverse effects potentially resulting from oral intake of such supplements was performed. In spite of the long history of medical use only very limited data on toxicity of white willow bark are available. However willow bark in comminuted or powdered form is a source of heavy metals and particularly the toxicity of cadmium may be of health concern.