The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological, and botanical description of Quercus infectoria galls (Mazuphal): A review

Abstract

Ethno-pharmacological relevance- In Unani system of medicine Quercus Infectoria galls (QIG) (known as Mazuphal), have a long history of use in the management of many human ailments like diarrhea, hemorrhage, skin diseases, and many other. The QIG is a protective product of small shrub Quercus Infectoria and its medicinal applications of have become increasingly popular in Greece, Syria, Iraq and Iran.
 Aim- The aim of the present paper is to provide a contemporary reviewed on the traditional uses and its toxinomy, phytochemical, analytical methods, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and drug interactions of QIG to assess the ethnopharmacological uses, explore its therapeutic potential, and identify future opportunities for research.
 Materials and methods- Information on studies of QIG was collected from the Internet (using Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier, ACS, Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI, and EMBASE) and libraries. Additionally, information was also obtained from local books and PhD and MD’s dissertations.
 Results- QIG has played an important role in traditional Unani medicine. The main bioactive metabolites of QIG include tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids etc. Scientific studies on the QIG extract and its components have shown its extensive range of pharmacological activities, such as cholinesterase- and monoamine oxidase-inhibitory, antitumor, anti-hypertension, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
 Conclusions- In this review the traditional knowledge, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological, and analytical methods of QIG were highlighted, which gives the proper information for future studies and business exploration. QIG has a huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals applications. Moreover the toxicity studies of QIG be reported for the enduring the safety. Additional investigations are recommended to transmute the ethnopharmacological claims of this plant in folklore medicines into scientific rationale-based information. Research on pharmacokinetics studies and potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited, which calls for additional studies particularly on humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.
 Keywords: Quercus infectoria galls, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology