Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Quercus Species

Abstract

Quercus species, also known as oak, represent an important genus of the Fagaceae family. It is widely distributed in temperate forests of the northern hemisphere and tropical climatic areas. Many of its members have been used in traditional medicine to treat and prevent various human disorders such as asthma, hemorrhoid, diarrhea, gastric ulcers, and wound healing. The multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities have been ascribed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. This paper aimed to provide available information on the medicinal uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacology of species from Quercus. However, further investigation is needed to fully clarify the mode of action of its bioactive compounds and to evaluate in vivo chronic toxicity, before exploring their potential use as a supplement in functional foods and natural pharmaceutics.

Composition, Physicochemical Properties, and Uses of Acorn Starch

“…In particular, acorn can be a major ingredient of gluten-free food products for people with celiac diseases [9]. Recently, acorns have attracted intensive attention as functional food because of their various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antiinflammation, antibacterial, antitumor, and prevention of degenerative diseases [10][11][12]. Various food products have been developed from acorn in the light of the abovementioned health impacts.…”

Gallotannin-Enriched Fraction from Quercus infectoria Galls as an Antioxidant and Inhibitory Agent against Human Glioblastoma Multiforme

“…QI is an oak tree belonging to the Fagaceae (Quercaceae) family. Bioactive compounds can be found in various parts of the QI plant, including the bark, root, leaf, flower, seed, nut, legume and gall [8]. However, the main medicinal benefit of the QI plant lies in its gall, which is an excrescence formed due to the stimulus by Adleria gallae-tinctoriae gall-wasp egg deposition [9].…”

Partial Characterisation of Oak Acorns Oil Extracted from Moroccan Quercus Suber L.

“…There are about 600 known oak tree species distributed throughout the world, one of which is Oak acorns. 1 The tree belongs to the Fagaceae family and extends across the Northern Hemisphere in America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. 2 Oak acorns have essential nutritional and health benefits.…”

“…10 They are also considered good sources of fibres, proteins, polyphenols, minerals (such as P, K, Ca, and Mg), vitamins (A and E), and unsaturated fatty acids. 1,9 Oak acorns have been associated with significant biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. 1,9 These activities have been harnessed in food products based on acorns such as bread, pasta, biscuits, beverages, cakes, and cookies.…”

“…1,9 Oak acorns have been associated with significant biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. 1,9 These activities have been harnessed in food products based on acorns such as bread, pasta, biscuits, beverages, cakes, and cookies. [11][12][13][14][15] In recent times, acorns oil has attracted the attention of the scientific community.…”