Fw: HERB - methyl salicylate problem research (long)

[Lynette K LaFontaine]

----- Original Message -----
From: Lynette K LaFontaine <LKLC at prodigy.net>
To: <herbalist at Ansteorra.ORG>
Sent: Friday, July 23, 1999 1:53 PM
Subject: Re: HERB - methyl salicylate problem research (long)


> Gaylin, you make some very valid arguments. I did some cursory looking in
> the references I have at home, because I was surprised to hear such strong
> statements against methlysalicylate for topical use.  As I am aware it is
a
> major component of many over the counter (OTC) analgesic (pain relief)
rubs.
>
> I found information in Drug facts and comparisons, St. Louis: Facts and
Comparisons
> American hospital formularly (AHF), Bethesda:  American Society of
Heath-System  Pharmacists
> and Finally, Taber's Cyclopedic medical dictionary, Philadelphia:  F. A.
Davis
> Let me start off with a simple definition according to Taber's
> Methyl salicylate is  "Wintergreen oil.  It is produced synthetically or
> from distillation of leaves of sweet birch, has a characteristic odor, and
> is commonly used in liniment or ointment form for use as a topical
analgesic balm and counterirritant."
methyl as you likely know is alcohol.
Salicylate is nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory agent (NSAD).  Aspirin fall in
this category.
According to AHF, Salicylates are rapidly absorbed form the GI tract.  as
well as percutaneously following topical application. In English they are
absorbed throught the skin.
Trolamine salicylate is rapidly and well absorbed percutaneiouly following
topical application.   After 10 Grams of 10% cream was applied to intact
skin over one knee in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis,
Salicylate concentrations in the joint fluid after 1-2 hr.  were 0.16 -0.25
micrograms per ml.  and were 60% of those attained after a 500 mg oral dose
of aspirin  blood salicylate concentrations after skin application of
tolamine salicylate were less than 1% of those after oral administration of
aspirin.
Facts and comparisons tells me that methyl salicylate is used in sprays
liniment and lotions (OTC) in concentrations of 1.2% up to 55% with the most
common concentration being 14%
Intrestingly and in you favor these are (OTC) preparations.  I would not
worry and to my knowledge salacilates are not hepatotoxic (liver toxins).
Yes it is most certainly absorbed, that is how the darn stuff works.  But I
see no evidence against the way you arae using it.  Remember too much of
anything can be toxic.  We are talking about intact skin,  and you're not
using huge amounts. You'r not drinking it in concentrated form. Heck when I
lived in climates where this grew.  I ate the plant.  The berries are the
best part but it all has great flavor.  They again maby that explains why
I'm  so goofie.
>From my study of pharmocology I learned that the synthetic form is
chemically no diffrent than the natural form.  However, the whole plan is
another matter as you likely know that is the mystery of whold plant
medicine.  Often there are other undefined components that create synergy,
or in some way temper the effect, or alter it in some other way.
Fortunately plant sources are by nature less concentrated.  These test no
doubt were with prue substances in concentrations that are greater than
natural form without the other plant elements.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Gaylin Walli <gwalli at infoengine.com>
> To: <herbalist at Ansteorra.ORG>
> Sent: Friday, July 23, 1999 11:46 AM
> Subject: Re: HERB - methyl salicylate problem research (long)
>
>
> > Herth (and others privately) asked:
> >
> > >I certainly appreciate you warnings and cautionary notes!  I'd be glad
to
> > >see what you have to say about some of the so-called scientific
studies.


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