Quercus Infectoria Herb (Quercus infectoria): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Quercus infectoria work as an astringent?

Quercus infectoria galls contain high concentrations of tannins, particularly tannic acid and gallic acid, which provide its astringent action. These compounds bind to proteins in mucous membranes, creating a protective layer that reduces secretions, tightens tissues, and decreases inflammation. This mechanism explains its traditional effectiveness for diarrhea and wound healing. The tannins also demonstrate antimicrobial activity by precipitating bacterial proteins and disrupting microbial cell membranes. Evidence level: C.

Does Quercus infectoria interact with medications?

Yes, Quercus infectoria can interact with medications due to its high tannin content. Tannins bind to various drugs and minerals in the digestive tract, potentially reducing their absorption and effectiveness. This includes iron supplements, alkaloid-containing medications, and certain antibiotics. To minimize interactions, separate Quercus infectoria doses from oral medications by at least 2-3 hours. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: Traditional.

What is the recommended dosage of Quercus infectoria?

The typical adult dosage of Quercus infectoria is 1-3 grams of dried gall, prepared as a tea or decoction for internal use, or as a topical wash for external application. For acute diarrhea, the lower end of this range is often sufficient. Due to its strong astringent properties, exceeding recommended doses may cause constipation and reduced nutrient absorption. Individual dosing should be guided by a qualified practitioner. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Quercus infectoria safe during pregnancy?

No, Quercus infectoria is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The high tannin content and strong astringent properties may cause uterine stimulation and significantly reduce nutrient absorption, potentially harming fetal development. Additionally, the herb may cause constipation, which is already a common concern during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid Quercus infectoria entirely and consult a qualified healthcare provider for safer alternatives. Evidence level: C.

What is Quercus infectoria used for in traditional medicine?

Quercus infectoria galls have been used for centuries in Unani and Middle Eastern medicine primarily as an astringent for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal inflammation. Externally, the galls are applied as washes or poultices for wound healing, skin conditions, and localized infections due to their antimicrobial properties. The tannin-rich preparations help tighten tissues, reduce discharge, and promote healing. Modern research supports some antimicrobial activity, though clinical evidence remains limited. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Quercus infectoria galls are used in traditional medicine for treating wounds, skin disorders, and inflammatory conditions [PMID:33217520, PMID:39334753]. They exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities [PMID:38049377, PMID:39086589].

Contexte

Quercus infectoria (gall oak) is a native tree of Iran [PMID:36841311]. The medicinal part consists of galls, which are formed as a pathological response to wasp insults to the tree [PMID:38638752].

Usages traditionnels

Used in traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Uyghur medicine, and in Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Iran for the treatment of diarrhea, hemorrhage, skin diseases, and other human ailments [PMID:33217520].

Composés actifs

The main bioactive metabolites include tannins, phenolic acids, and gallotannins [PMID:33217520, PMID:38638752].

Mécanisme d'action

The extract modulates oxidative stress by exhibiting antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) [PMID:39334753]. It reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 while increasing IL-10 [PMID:39435110]. In P. aeruginosa, it reduces quorum sensing-controlled virulence factors and biofilm formation by influencing the expression of las, rhl, and exoto genes [PMID:31319827].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DDiabetic Wound Healing

Topical application of 5% and 10% ointment aided wound healing in a streptozocin-induced diabetic mouse model [PMID:34382850]

Preuve DUlcerative Colitis

A pH/thermosensitive gel containing QIG ethanol extract showed anti-inflammatory activity in UC mice [PMID:39435110]

Preuve DEthanol-Induced Gastritis

Galls demonstrated a gastroprotective effect in rats [PMID:38638752]

Preuve DParacetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Extract provided protective effects against acute paracetamol toxicity in mice [PMID:36936610]

Preuve DBacterial/Fungal Infections

In vitro activity against various pathogens including S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Candida species, and Leptospira [PMID:38049377, PMID:25709331, PMID:30914846]

Preuve DCancer Cell Viability

Aqueous extract inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in lung (A549), gastric (BGC823), and esophageal (KYSE-30) cancer cell lines [PMID:39086589]

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant pharmacological potential for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing applications, but lacks human clinical trials.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 34382850 (2021) — Quercus infectoria gall extract aids wound healing in a streptozocin-induced diabetic mouse model. · Journal of wound care
2.PMID: 39435110 (2024) — Thermosensitive and pH-responsive quercus infectoria gall-containing gel with long-lasting anti-inflammatory activity for ulcerative colitis. · Heliyon
3.PMID: 39320377 (2025) — Identification of Fungal Species Associated with Gall Oak (Quercus infectoria) Decline in Iran. · Plant disease
4.PMID: 36841311 (2023) — Transcriptome analysis of gall oak (Quercus infectoria): De novo assembly, functional annotation and metabolic pathways analysis. · Genomics
5.PMID: 33217520 (2021) — A review of the phytochemical, pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological evaluation of Quercus Infectoria galls.

Quercus Infectoria Herb

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Quercus Infectoria Herb

Kunzea Ambigua

Cuphea hyssopifolia

Bolivian Copaiba

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Quercus Infectoria Herb

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Quercus Infectoria Herb

Plantes associées

Kunzea Ambigua

Cuphea hyssopifolia

Bolivian Copaiba

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales