Salicin is a β-glucoside compound derived from the bark of willow (Salix), poplar, and various other plants. It is a biosynthetic precursor to salicylaldehyde. It is a natural antioxidant. It has been used as an anti-flammatory agent. The chemical structure of salicin is similar to aspirin and was used during its initial development in the 1800's. In 1899, scientists at Bayer synthesized asperin (acetylsalicylic acid) from meadowsweet.
Salicin is freely soluble in water.