Quercus infectoria is a species of oak that bears outgrowths called galls that are traditionally used for medicinal purposes in Asia. This plant is native to Greece, Asia Minor, Syria and Iran. India imports these galls for various uses. The galls contain chemical constituents like gallic acid and tannic acid which show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, pain-relieving, skin lightening, anti-venom and anti-amoebic activities. Galls are used in the famous Ayurvedic formulation called “Madayantyadi Churna”.
