Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Quercus infectoria (mazu)
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: a review
Original source:
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Misba Naim, Wajeeha Begum, Fazly Shakoor
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Quercus infectoria (mazu)
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20179-9211
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Quercus infectoria Olivier, commonly known as Turkish galls or mazu, is a small tree that primarily grows in Greece, Asia Minor, and Iran. The galls, which are used extensively in Unani medicine, are formed on the tree's branches due to the laying of eggs by the gall wasp, Alderia gallectinctoriae. Historically, these galls have been used to treat various ailments, particularly due to their rich tannin content and documented pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidative effects. This review aims to synthesize traditional Unani healing practices with contemporary pharmacological findings regarding Q. infectoria.
The Healing Properties of Galls
The galls of Quercus infectoria have been identified as possessing significant medicinal benefits in traditional medical practices. They exhibit a variety of pharmacological activities, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hypoglycemic effects. For instance, pharmacological studies have shown that ethanolic extracts of galls not only inhibit the growth of certain bacterial strains but also demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting several inflammatory mediators in laboratory settings. The diverse applications and healing properties of these galls affirm their value in both historical and modern medicine.
Application in Unani Medicine
In Unani medicine, Quercus infectoria is used for treating a wide range of ailments. Its applications range from treating gastrointestinal issues like chronic diarrhea to dermatological problems such as alopecia and herpes. The galls can be used in various forms, including as a paste, powder, or in decoction, depending on the condition being treated. This versatility in administration underscores the integration of traditional knowledge with practical medicinal use, demonstrating the importance of Q. infectoria in holistic healing approaches.
Contemporary Pharmacological Research
Modern pharmacological studies validate the traditional uses of Q. infectoria by demonstrating its activities against various pathogens and conditions. Research has highlighted its efficacy against uropathogens, its ability to inhibit certain cancer markers in laboratory settings, and its positive effects on wound healing. In particular, studies have shown its neuropharmacological properties, identifying active compounds like syringic acid, which exhibit sedative effects. These findings bridge the gap between traditional uses and scientific validation, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of Q. infectoria.
Conclusion
The investigation into Quercus infectoria and its galls reveals a rich amalgamation of ancient wisdom and modern science. While traditional Unani medicine has long acknowledged the therapeutic properties of mazu, contemporary research corroborates these claims through rigorous pharmacological studies. This convergence presents promising avenues for further research and clinical trials, potentially leading to enhanced understanding and application of Quercus infectoria in modern healthcare settings. Continued exploration of its mechanisms of action is essential for fully harnessing its medicinal benefits in everyday clinical practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Quercus infectoria and where is it found?
Quercus infectoria, also known as Dyer's oak, is a small tree native to Greece, Asia Minor, and Iran. It produces galls on young branches due to the attack of a gall wasp.
What are the main compounds found in Quercus infectoria galls?
The main constituents of Quercus infectoria galls include tannin, free gallic acid, and ellagic acid. These compounds contribute to various pharmacological activities, including astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
How are Quercus infectoria galls utilized in Unani medicine?
In Unani medicine, Quercus infectoria galls are used to treat numerous ailments, such as diarrhea, gingivitis, and skin conditions. They are applied topically or consumed in powder or decoction form.
What pharmacological activities are associated with Quercus infectoria?
Quercus infectoria exhibits various pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, it shows potential in wound healing and hepatoprotective actions based on research studies.
What doses of Quercus infectoria galls are commonly recommended?
Typically, the recommended dose of Quercus infectoria galls is 1-3 grams when taken as powder or decoction. However, dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated.
What modern studies support the medicinal use of Quercus infectoria?
Modern pharmacological studies validate traditional uses of Quercus infectoria, confirming its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, thus supporting its application in traditional medicine practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Quercus infectoria (mazu)”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In pharmacology, 'activity' refers to the biological effects exhibited by substances, such as medicinal compounds. In the context of Quercus infectoria, various activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects are critical in validating its use in traditional medicine and supporting its therapeutic potential through empirical studies.
2) Powder:
The term 'powder' in herbal medicine refers to ground plant materials used for therapeutic purposes. For Quercus infectoria, the galls are processed into powder for easy administration and enhanced medicinal effects. Powders allow controlled dosages and can be mixed with solvents or other ingredients to maximize their efficacy.
3) Insect:
In the context of Quercus infectoria, 'insect' denotes the gall wasp, specifically Alderia gallectinctoriae, which induces the formation of galls on the tree. Understanding the insect's role is crucial as it leads to the production of galls that possess notable medicinal properties used in Unani and other traditional medicines.
4) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses substances and practices used to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases. The study highlights the Unani system that utilizes Quercus infectoria galls as a traditional medicine, reflecting the plant's historical and modern relevance in addressing various health conditions through botanical compounds found effective in pharmacology.
5) Water:
In medicinal contexts, 'water' is often used as a solvent for extracting active ingredients from herbs. For Quercus infectoria, galls can be processed into decoctions with water, which helps in dissolving and delivering bioactive compounds to therapeutic targets, enhancing their efficacy in treating ailments such as gastrointestinal diseases.
6) Tree:
'Tree' references the botanical source of the galls, Quercus infectoria, a member of the Fagaceae family. The cultivation, characteristics, and ecosystems associated with the tree influence the quality and availability of galls, essential for their medicinal uses. The understanding of its habitat is pertinent for sustainable harvesting.
7) Ulcer:
'Ulcer' refers to open sores that can occur in various body tissues. The galls of Quercus infectoria have been traditionally employed in treating conditions associated with ulcers, including anal and intestinal ulcers, indicating the relevance of their medicinal properties in healing and managing such inflammatory conditions in clinical practice.
8) Pharmacological:
'Pharmacological' describes the study of drug action and the interactions of chemical compounds with living organisms. The pharmacological investigation of Quercus infectoria verifies its biological effects, supporting its traditional uses in medicine, thus bridging the gap between ancient practices and contemporary scientific validation of medicinal herbs.
9) Inflammation:
'Inflammation' is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often leading to redness, swelling, and pain. Quercus infectoria has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in various studies, establishing its role in reducing inflammation-related conditions. This evidence underlines its importance as a therapeutic agent in treating inflammatory disorders.
10) Disease:
'Disease' signifies a pathological condition impacting normal bodily functions. The usage of Quercus infectoria in treating various diseases, as discussed in this text, showcases its significance as a medicinal plant in both the Unani system and modern pharmacology, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research in ethnomedicine.
11) Surface:
The word 'surface' often pertains to the outer part or layer of an organism. In pharmacological studies, understanding how compounds interact at the cellular surface can illuminate mechanisms of action, such as how tannins from Quercus infectoria affect microbial adherence, influencing its antibacterial properties and efficacy.
12) Family:
'Family' in botanical nomenclature refers to a rank in the classification of organisms. Quercus infectoria belongs to the Fagaceae family, which encompasses various oak species. Knowledge of family characteristics helps in understanding the plant's biological traits and potential uses based on its relatives' established properties in herbal medicine.
13) India:
'India' is significant as it is the region where traditional systems like Unani medicine flourish. The mention of Quercus infectoria in this context highlights the geographic and cultural relevance of such plants within Indian herbal practices, reinforcing the need to integrate indigenous knowledge with modern scientific inquiry for healthcare solutions.
14) Beta:
'Beta' often denotes a class of compounds, such as beta-sitosterol found in Quercus infectoria. Understanding these compounds is essential because they contribute to the biological activities of the plant. Researching such phytochemicals can aid in developing new therapeutic agents from natural products in pharmaceutical applications.
15) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibacterial' is often used interchangeably with anti-bacterial, highlighting the effect of substances against bacteria. The exploration of Quercus infectoria’s antibacterial properties underscores its potential in combating infections, valuable in both traditional practices and contemporary pharmacological applications against resistant microbial strains.
16) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' refers to the degree to which substances can harm organisms. Understanding the toxicity of Quercus infectoria during pharmacological evaluations is crucial for assessing safety and efficacy. Ensuring that medicinal plants are safe for use aligns traditional practices with modern risk assessment protocols in drug development.
17) Species:
'Species' denotes the basic unit of biological classification, and in this work, Quercus infectoria represents a specific species within its genus. Proper identification of species is vital for botanical studies and herbal medicine to ensure accurate use of plant resources and their respective health benefits in various traditional practices.
18) Greece:
'Greece' is acknowledged as part of the natural habitat for Quercus infectoria, where the plant thrives. Its geographical presence reflects the plant's historical significance and usage in various traditional medicine systems, bridging knowledge from ancient civilizations to current practices in ethnomedicine and pharmacology.
19) Aureus:
'Aureus' refers specifically to Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterial pathogen that Quercus infectoria shows activity against. Its relevance in this research highlights the plant’s role in managing infections caused by this bacterium, thus underlining its potential impact on addressing common health challenges in contemporary healthcare settings.
20) Sugar:
'Sugar' is a simple carbohydrate relevant in the context of Quercus infectoria’s phytochemical profile. The presence of sugars alongside tannins and other compounds in the galls plays a role in the galls' medicinal properties, underscoring the need for comprehensive investigations into their therapeutic actions and metabolic functions.
21) Table:
'Table' in this text presents structured information, laying out various data such as vernacular names, pharmacological uses, and medicinal properties of Quercus infectoria. Organized data enhances comprehension and facilitates reference for researchers, practitioners, and students interested in traditional and modern implications of the plant's uses.
22) Blood:
'Blood' is often linked to various physiological processes and conditions. The use of Quercus infectoria galls in treatments concerning blood-related ailments, such as hematuria and other bleeding disorders, indicates their importance in traditional medicine and necessitates further research to substantiate these claims pharmacologically.
23) Study (Studying):
'Study' emphasizes the systematic investigation into the properties and effects of Quercus infectoria. Through research, both traditional claims and modern scientific inquiries can illuminate the efficacy of the plant in treating various conditions, therefore enhancing our understanding and validation of herbal medicine in contemporary healthcare systems.
24) Phytochemical:
'Phytochemical' pertains to the chemical compounds produced by plants, many of which have biological significance. Quercus infectoria contains various phytochemicals like tannins and flavonoids, whose presence underpins the medicinal attributes. Understanding these components is crucial for extracting therapeutic potentials from herbal sources in integrative medicine.
25) Pharmacology:
'Pharmacology' examines drug properties, actions, and effects on biological systems. This field's relevance to Quercus infectoria lies in validating its traditional uses through scientific evidence, exploring its mechanisms, optimizing dosages, and effectively integrating herbal medicine practices into modern clinical applications for better health outcomes.
26) Flavonoid:
'Flavonoid' denotes a group of plant metabolites known for their antioxidant and health-promoting properties. In Quercus infectoria, flavonoids contribute to the plant's pharmacological activity, supporting its traditional applications. Research into these compounds can pave the way for developing new natural therapeutics in modern medicine.
27) Gujarati:
'Gujarati' refers to the language and culture from Gujarat, India, where traditional usages of medicinal plants like Quercus infectoria may vary regionally. Understanding local practices enhances the integration of traditional medicine with contemporary healthcare, emphasizing the importance of cultural contexts in the study of herbal remedies.
28) Swelling:
'Swelling' characterizes an increase in organ size due to inflammation or other causes. Conditions treated with Quercus infectoria include inflammatory diseases marked by swelling, showcasing the galls’ anti-inflammatory effects that could provide relief and be relevant for natural treatments in various health conditions.
29) Language:
'Language' pertains to the means of communication within specific communities. The mention of various languages illustrates the cultural significance and diverse traditional uses of Quercus infectoria galls across regions, allowing for richer understanding in how local knowledge shapes the applications of medicinal plants.
30) Sanskrit:
'Sanskrit' is an ancient language of India, significant in historical texts regarding medicinal practices. The use of Sanskrit names for Quercus infectoria underlines its longstanding integration in Ayurvedic and Unani traditions, emphasizing how historical knowledge informs contemporary research and utilization of medicinal plants in health systems.
31) Incision:
'Incision' is a surgical procedure that may relate to wound healing studies using Quercus infectoria. The galls' reported benefits in wound healing processes highlight their potential use in medical settings for treating surgical wounds, which connects traditional uses with modern therapeutic practices fostering holistic approaches to healing.
32) Kannada:
'Kannada' is a language spoken in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, where Quercus infectoria's local names and uses may originate. The recognition of linguistic diversity emphasizes the role of regional perspectives in understanding herbal medicine and its applications in various traditional health systems within India.
33) Bengali:
'Bengali' pertains to the language and culture in West Bengal, India, where traditional herbal practices may include Quercus infectoria. The evaluation of its applications in different cultures encourages a broader understanding of herbal remedies and how local traditions shape the use of specific medicinal plants for health benefits.
34) Habitat:
'Habitat' indicates the natural environment where Quercus infectoria grows. Knowledge of the habitat is essential for botany, ecology, and conservation efforts, influencing both the availability of galls and the efforts to sustain their medicinal use in herbal medicine and ensuring environmental considerations in traditional practices.
35) Siddha:
'Siddha' refers to a traditional healing system from South India that parallels Unani and Ayurvedic practices. The mention of Siddha in conjunction with Quercus infectoria indicates shared herbal knowledge across cultures, celebrating the diverse therapeutic applications and historical significance of medicinal plants within various regional medical systems.
36) Animal:
'Animal' indicates living organisms that may be subjects in pharmacological studies evaluating Quercus infectoria's effects. Understanding its impact on animals aids in assessing toxicity, efficacy, and safety before human trials, which is crucial in developing evidence-based treatments derived from traditional herbal medicines.
37) Indian:
'Indian' refers to anything related to India, where Quercus infectoria is recognized for its medicinal properties within traditional practices. The connection to Indian medicine highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and encourages interdisciplinary approaches that bridge cultural practices with modern scientific inquiry into herbal therapies.
38) Patel:
'Patel' is a common surname in India, often associated with individuals in the field of research or traditional medicine. The reference to Patel alongside Quercus infectoria indicates collaboration between modern scientific research and historical practices, reflecting the ongoing exploration of traditional herbal remedies in contemporary health discussions.
39) Danda (Damda):
'Danda' may pertain to a traditional medicinal term or concept in certain healing systems. Its connection with Quercus infectoria can signify its applications within specific therapeutic frameworks or formulations, reinforcing the idea that traditional knowledge is critical for understanding the comprehensive use of herbal remedies.
40) Masha (Masa, Ma-sha):
'Masha' is a term used in traditional medicine, representing specific units or measurements, primarily in the context of herbal dosages. The mention of masha in relation to Quercus infectoria underscores the precise measurement of herbal preparations, which is essential for effective and safe therapeutic applications in medical practices.
41) Edema (Oedema):
'Edema' refers to excessive fluid accumulation in tissues, which can cause swelling. The anti-inflammatory properties of Quercus infectoria suggest its potential effectiveness in managing edema-related conditions, making it significant for both traditional healing practices and future research on natural remedies for inflammatory disorders.
42) Syria (Syrian):
'Syria' is part of the natural habitat where Quercus infectoria grows, which is relevant for its historical and medicinal uses. The geographical distribution signifies the importance of the plant across civilizations, contributing to the understanding of its applications in various traditional medicine systems prevalent in that region.
43) Hindi (Himdi):
'Hindi' is a major language spoken in India with cultural significance in the documentation of medicinal practices. The reference to Hindi reinforces the idea of regional language diversity in the discourse surrounding Quercus infectoria, exemplifying how traditional uses and names are integrated into community health practices.
44) Tamil:
'Tamil' is another prominent language spoken in India, reflecting the cultural diversity in traditional medicine where plants like Quercus infectoria are utilized. Recognizing Tamil nomenclature and its links to herbal practices aids in preserving the relevance of indigenous knowledge connected to local healthcare traditions.
45) Lemon:
'Lemon' describes the color of Quercus infectoria's fruits, linking it visually to its botanical characteristics. The description of fruit coloration provides insights into the plant's morphological features, which is significant in identifying and differentiating it from other species in ecological and medicinal explorations.
46) Genu:
'Genu' could refer to a specific term used in traditional medicine or a part of the body that may relate to the applications of Quercus infectoria. Understanding such terminology highlights the integrated knowledge of body functions and plant therapeutics within various medical practices.
47) Anar:
'Anar' refers to pomegranate, a valuable fruit in various traditional healing practices. The comparison of Quercus infectoria's properties with that of Anar indicates cross-utilization of plant-based treatments within traditional systems, showcasing the broader botanical repertoire significant in herbal medicine formulation.
48) Neem:
'Neem' is a prominent medicinal plant in traditional medicine, often used for its antibacterial properties. The connection between neem and Quercus infectoria highlights the synergy within herbal medicine, where multiple plants are utilized in complementary therapeutic roles, enhancing the overall effectiveness of traditional treatments.
49) Wall:
'Wall' refers to the structural component of bacteria that can be targeted by therapeutic agents. The research on Quercus infectoria's action against bacterial strains like Staphylococcus aureus reveals potential benefits in addressing cell wall stability, opening avenues for developing effective antimicrobial therapies against resistant bacteria.
50) Post:
'Post' may refer to the context of preparation or applications of herbal formulations. In examining Quercus infectoria, understanding where and how formulations are applied post-treatment can provide insights into the efficacy and methodologies employed in traditional medicine, ultimately benefiting patient care strategies.
51) Drug:
'Drug' signifies any substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Quercus infectoria galls potentially represent a drug resource in herbal medicine, and ongoing research into their pharmacological properties enhances the integration of traditional remedies into contemporary therapeutic practices, promoting evidence-based health solutions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Quercus infectoria (mazu)’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Traditional usage, Dosage guidelines, Antibacterial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant activity, Antidiabetic activity, Phytochemical constituents, Hepatoprotective action, Nephroprotective Activity, Ethanolic extract, Unani system of medicine, Larvicidal activity, Quercus infectoria.