QUERCUS INFECTORIA (MAZU): A REVIEW

Abstract

Quercus infectoria Olivier (Fagaceae) is a small tree found in Greece, Asia minor and Iran. The galls arise on young branches of this tree as a result of attack by an insect, gall wasp. In Unani system of medicine, galls have been used since centuries for treating many diseases and a detail description is mentioned in Unani classical literature. The galls have also been pharmacologically documented to possess astringent, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities. The main constituent found in galls is tannin, free gallic and elagic acid. The present review is an attempt to highlight the Unani aspect of Quercus infectoria galls along with its latest pharmacological research.