Development and validation of HPLC method for determination of salicin in poplar buds: Application for screening of counterfeit propolis

► A simple, sensitive and specific reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for distinguishing poplar tree gum from propolis. ► Salicin as a marker for HPLC fingerprint was proposed for the first time. ► The proposed method could be an effective technique for routine analysis of salicin and monitoring the quality of propolis as possible counterfeit poplar tree gum.