A Review on Ethnomedicinal Claims, Phytochemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Activity of Majuphala (Quercus infectoria Olivier)

Export Objective: Quercus infectoria Oliv. (Famil - Fagaceae), traditionally known as Majuphala, has numerous therapeutic claims as mentioned in ancient classical texts. These claims are well-documented as “ethnomedicinal claims” in various disease conditions. The authentic sources of manually assembled data on its ethnomedical usage are minimal. This article aims to collate information apropos to ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties of Q. infectoria, drawing insights from survey studies, scholarly journals, and ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal literature. The present fundamental research will prove a pedestal for future applied research. Data Source: Data were collected from research papers on pharmacological effects, different textbooks about medicinal plants, and survey articles that were readily available regarding ethnomedicinal claims. In the current review, every available piece of information from the various books along with 32 research articles from various portals such as PubMed and Google scholar published till August 2023 has been gathered. Review Methods and Conclusion: Majuphala (Q. infectoria) is being used in and around India as a whole plant or as several sections (stems, seeds, roots, and leaves) in 40 different ailments. The majority of these claims are related to the treatment of conditions, including dermatological conditions, dental pain, gingivitis, gynecological concerns, microbiological infections, digestive system ailments, etc., Pharmacological research established the presence of anti-diabetic, local anesthetic, anti-aging, anti-fungal, larvicidal, and anti-inflammatory effects in Q. infectoria galls. Moreover, galls and bark contain tannins (50%–70%) as a main component and a trace quantity of ellagic acid and free gallic acid. The knowledge about its possible ethnomedicinal applications could result in further study and application of this plant for medicinal purposes.