Quercus infectoria

Used by 3 traditions1 compound

Common Names

malay: Manjakani

unani: Mazu (مازو), Mazuphali

arabic: عفص (Afas)

siddha: மாசிக்காய் (Masikkai)

english: Gall Oak, Aleppo Oak, Dyer's Oak

latin_pharmaceutical: Quercus Infectoria Galla

Geographic Range: Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Greece. Galls formed by wasp (Cynips gallae-tinctoriae) oviposition on twigs.

Known Contraindications

• Intestinal obstruction
• Iron-deficiency (tannins chelate iron)
• Cold, dry constitutions (melancholic temperament) — excessive astringency may worsen constipation
• Sue Mizaj Barid Yabis (cold dry constitution) — further drying contraindicated
• Qabz (constipation) — astringent action worsens
• Ishal with incomplete Nuzj (maturation of morbid humor) — premature binding traps corrupt matter
• Iron-deficiency anemia (tannins impair iron absorption)
• Concurrent oral medications (tannins may reduce absorption — separate by 2 hours)
• Vatham-predominant constipation (strong astringent may worsen)
• Severe Agni suppression with Ama (must address Ama first)
• Concurrent iron supplementation (tannins chelate iron)
• Chronic constipation
• Iron-deficiency anemia

Compounds

Traditions

Treatments

Conditions

CAS: 1401-55-4

CYP Interaction Profile

Enzyme	Interaction
metabolism	Hydrolyzed to gallic acid and glucose by gut flora tannase. Gallic acid undergoes hepatic methylation and conjugation.
interactions	Inhibits iron absorption (chelation) — space iron supplements by 2+ hours. May reduce absorption of alkaloid drugs. Tannin-protein interaction may reduce protein/drug bioavailability.