Black poplar (Populus nigra) is a tree found in Europe, Central Asia and North Africa. It typically reaches a height of up to 30 meters, and its trunk is up to 3 meters thick.
The color of the bark, depending on the age of the tree, is from dark brown to almost black. Poplar wood is characterized by lightness, flexibility and durability. Thanks to this, it has found its place in, among others, papermaking, the production of matches or boxes.
Black poplar leaves have a heart-shaped shape with a corrugated edge. The flowering period falls in April. The flowers are dioecious - female flowers are green and male flowers are reddish. Black poplar seeds are surrounded by dense hairs and, thanks to their lightness, are spread by the wind.
Black poplar is a species of tree belonging to the willow family. In fact, it can often be found along river boulevards. Black poplar is a short-lived species. The lifespan of the tree is "only" 150 years.
Adult trees reach a height of 30 m (as mentioned earlier) and are characterized by a wide, irregular and domed crown. The black poplar has a massive, matt trunk, which in older specimens is usually heavily cracked and covered with nodular growths with tufts of offshoots.
The tree's crown has numerous branches, on which there are large and wide leaves. Their characteristic feature is a rhomboid or heart-shaped shape and jagged, toothed edges. The leaf blade is dark green and shiny, and in autumn it turns yellow. In winter, the black poplar loses its leaves.
During flowering, the black poplar tree produces an inflorescence, which gathers in so-called catkins. Black poplar fruits also occur in clusters and resemble capsules in shape.
The tree's seeds are equipped with a characteristic down, which in summer is carried by the wind and is often visible in the garden or parks. Black poplar reproduces easily, choosing most often fertile, riverside soil.
Flower buds.
The indications for the use of black poplar varied depending on the region. In Algeria, for example, black poplar was used as an anti-inflammatory agent, treating inflammation of the joints or respiratory infections.
In folk medicine, propolis from black poplar was used to regenerate damaged skin, reduce inflammation, prevent infections and treat cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, propolis has an antioxidant effect.
Free radicals are elements harmful to the body. Their excess can be one of the causes of various pathological conditions in the body. They are one of the causes of cell damage, and consequently, the development of many diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer. Antioxidants are used to counteract the harmful effects of their excess.
Black poplar flower extracts are rich in antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of black poplar have been proven in studies. They result mainly from the presence of phenolic compounds.
Studies taking into account the extracts from the buds of black poplar from Algeria have shown a similar antioxidant potential to the antioxidant power of ascorbic acid. Such an effect was demonstrated by a hydroalcoholic extract at a concentration of 1 mg/mL.
Extracts from the buds of black poplar have shown a good antibacterial effect against Gram-positive bacteria - mainly against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Listeria monocytogenes, L. innocua, L. welshimeri.
Studies have also proven activity against fungi. Species susceptible to black poplar extracts include Candida albicans and, to a lesser extent, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium polyferatum.
The anti-inflammatory effect of black poplar is mainly due to the presence of flavonoids. In vitro studies have proven a decrease in the level of inflammatory factors after the use of ethanol extracts from black poplar buds. This effect can be used for colds or skin inflammations related to, among others, infection.
Black poplar buds are used for urinary tract diseases, pains of various origins (rheumatic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia), flu and cold symptoms (chills, fever, general weakness, cough) and respiratory system ailments.
Due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, black poplar is most often used in the treatment of urinary tract diseases. The plant helps with urinary tract inflammation and gout.
Preparations with black poplar are also intended for external use. Compresses from crushed buds of the plant are an effective remedy for difficult-to-heal wounds and varicose leg ulcers. They also accelerate wound healing.
Due to the high content of tannins and flavonoids, black poplar is widely used in cosmetics. The compounds contained in the plant reduce wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones in the future.
Creams with the addition of black poplar are especially recommended for people with vascular skin. The buds of the plant also have anti-acne, strengthening and anti-cellulite properties.
Black poplar is a tree with relatively few requirements. It prefers fertile, humus and moist soil (it grows well near water reservoirs). The best conditions for the plant's development are provided by warm and sunny locations. Black poplar is completely resistant to polluted air and frost. However, it does not tolerate drought well.
Black poplar is a short-lived tree, reaching 20-30 meters in height. The plant is distinguished by a large, wide crown on a massive trunk. Black poplar leaves have a rhomboid or triangular-heart shape and serrated edges. In autumn, they take on a yellow shade. Black poplar flowers develop in early spring - from March to April.
Black poplar is a fast-growing species. Its flowering period falls at the turn of March and April. The tree's seeds reach maturity in May. This is when the plant begins to reproduce naturally.
Seeds with a characteristic down are carried by the wind and settle on the soil. The tree prefers sunny locations. It also feels good in flood areas and riparian forests. The best substrate for black poplars is humus and slightly moist soil.
Planted in the right place, the tree has few requirements. If the tree is located outside the flood area, however, remember to water its trunk frequently and abundantly.
Black poplar is also often attacked by caterpillars, which are particularly fond of its leaves. It is therefore worth using insecticides. Among the care treatments, you can also mention the removal of old branches and crown cutting, which will help give it the desired shape.
The herbal raw material is mainly black poplar buds. The buds contain mainly phenolic compounds (including phenols, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids) and terpenoids (mono- and sesquiterpenoids).
The buds contain flavones (e.g. apigenol and crisin), flavanones (e.g. pinocembrin and pinostrombin), caffeic and ferulic acid, and other derivatives of phenolic compounds.
Black poplar buds are a source of natural antioxidants that have the ability to remove free radicals. Anti-inflammatory effects are mainly attributed to flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Active substances modulate the transcription of genes involved in the inflammatory response, inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α).
The presence of salicylates, apart from anti-inflammatory effects, determines the analgesic effect. The essential oils include betulene, α-, β- and γ-betulenol, δ-humulene and α-caryophyllene, which have oxidation-reduction potential.
These properties are used in cosmetics to regenerate the epidermis and strengthen tissue tension. Many phenolic compounds also have antibacterial effects, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.
Black poplar and products made from it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The implementation of any supplementation during pregnancy should always be consulted with a gynecologist.
Contraindications to the use of black poplar preparations include an allergy to salicylates. They should also not be used by people with digestive system diseases.
The use of black poplar, in small amounts, in people for whom its use is not contraindicated, does not carry a significant risk of adverse effects.
There are no known interactions of black poplar with other drugs.
Infusion: for internal use, black poplar buds are most often used, from which an infusion or decoction is prepared. To prepare an infusion, pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of the raw material and leave covered for about 30 minutes, then strain it and drink 1 glass 1-3 times a day.
Decoction: prepared by pouring 2 tablespoons of the raw material with 2 glasses of warm water and boiling for a few minutes. After boiling, the decoction should be left for 20-30 minutes and strained. The dosage of the decoction is the same as the dosage of the infusion.
In order to ensure more effective extraction of active compounds, it is advisable to sprinkle the crushed raw material with spirit, leave it covered for 10 minutes and only then proceed to pour water over the raw material.
Decoctions and infusions can be used externally in the form of compresses. It is also recommended to apply crushed black poplar buds directly to the affected areas.