Oak bark

Oak bark is the outer part of the trunk and branches of the oak tree, which is used in various fields, including medicine, cosmetology and industry. It is known for its healing properties and chemical composition, rich in tannins.

Composition and properties

1. Tannins: The main active components of oak bark are tannins, which have astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. They help strengthen the mucous membranes and skin, which makes oak bark useful in the treatment of various skin diseases and inflammatory processes.
2. Flavonoids: Oak bark also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and help strengthen blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
3. Acids and resins: Oak bark contains various acids and resins, which have a beneficial effect on the skin and mucous membranes.

Application

1. Medicine: Oak bark is used in folk and traditional medicine to treat diseases such as diarrhea, gastritis, stomatitis, tonsillitis and hemorrhoids. Decoctions and infusions of oak bark are used for gargling, baths and compresses.
2. Cosmetology: Oak bark extracts are included in many cosmetics for skin and hair care. They help to cope with oily skin, acne and inflammation.
3. Industry: In industry, oak bark is used for tanning leather due to its tanning properties.

Oak bark is a valuable natural product with many beneficial properties due to its high content of tannins, flavonoids and other biologically active substances. It is widely used in medicine, cosmetology and industry, helping to cope with various diseases and improving the quality of life.

Indications oak bark

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Oak bark can help relieve diarrhea, constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal problems due to its antidiarrheal and anti-constipation properties.
2. Inflammatory processes: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, oak bark can be used to relieve inflammation in various parts of the body.
3. Skin Problems: Oak bark extracts can be used as a treatment for various skin problems such as eczema, acne, rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions.
4. Antimicrobial properties: Oak bark has antimicrobial properties and can be used as a natural antiseptic to fight infections.
5. Other conditions: In traditional medicine, oak bark has also been used to treat fever, hemorrhoids and other ailments.

Release form

1. Raw Bark: Pieces of raw oak bark may be available as a folk remedy or for use in the herbal industry.
2. Extract: Oak bark extract can be obtained by isolating the active components of the bark using various solvents. It can be available as a liquid extract or powder.
3. Tablets or Capsules: Oak bark may also be available as tablets or capsules containing bark extract or powder for ease of administration.
4. Infusion: An oak bark infusion can be made by soaking the raw bark in water or another solvent.
5. Creams or Ointments: Oak bark extract can be added to creams or ointments for external use, such as skin care creams or ointments for the treatment of various skin conditions.

Pharmacodynamics

Main effects and mechanisms of action

1. Antimicrobial activity: Oak bark extract has a pronounced antimicrobial effect against various bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity is due to the high content of polyphenols, such as catechins and ellagic acid (Deryabin & Tolmacheva, 2015).
2. Anti-inflammatory action: Oak bark extract and the tannins it contains reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators from basophils and mast cells, such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α (Lorenz et al., 2016).
3. Antioxidant activity: Oak bark polyphenols have a powerful antioxidant effect, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress. This helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress (Elansary et al., 2019).
4. Antibacterial and anticandidal activity: Oak bark extracts exhibit activity against various bacterial pathogens and Candida albicans, confirming their potential in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections (Šukele et al., 2022).
5. Anti-allergic action: Oak bark extracts may reduce allergic reactions by inhibiting the degranulation of basophils and mast cells, which reduces the release of histamine and other allergy mediators (Lorenz et al., 2016).

Pharmacokinetics

Since oak bark contains various active components such as tannins, flavonoids and other polyphenols, its pharmacokinetics can be complex and may depend on many factors.

Typically, the active components of oak bark are absorbed in the intestines and can slowly enter the bloodstream. Oak bark extracts can also act locally if applied to the skin or mucous membranes.

Dosing and administration

External use:

1. Decoctions and infusions for rinsing and lotions:

   • For rinsing the mouth and throat: For inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat (stomatitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis).
     • Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed bark with 1 glass (200 ml) of boiling water, boil in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, then leave for 1 hour, strain.
     • Rinse your mouth and throat 3-4 times a day.
   • For lotions and compresses: For skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis), burns, wounds, bedsores.
     • Pour 1 glass (200 ml) of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of crushed bark, boil in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, then leave for 1 hour, strain.
     • Apply as a compress to affected areas of skin 2-3 times a day.

2. Baths and sitz baths:

   • For the treatment of hemorrhoids, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system:
     • Pour 5 tablespoons of crushed bark into 1 liter of water, boil over low heat for 30 minutes, then strain.
     • Add the decoction to the bath or use for sitz baths. The procedure lasts 15-20 minutes, 1-2 times a day.

Internal use:

1. Decoction:

   • For gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, gastritis with high acidity).
     • Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed bark with 1 glass (200 ml) of boiling water, boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes, then leave for 1 hour, strain.
     • Take 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day before meals.

2. Infusion:

   • To strengthen the body and treat internal inflammatory processes.
     • Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed bark with 1 glass (200 ml) of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, then strain.
     • Take 1/4 cup 3 times a day before meals.

Special instructions:

• It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting treatment, especially when used internally.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage and duration of use to avoid side effects.
• Allergic reactions are possible, if they occur, stop using and consult a doctor.

Use oak bark during pregnancy

The question of the safety of its use during pregnancy requires careful consideration.

Efficiency and safety

1. Antimicrobial activity: Oak bark has antimicrobial properties, making it useful for treating infections. For example, studies have shown that oak bark extracts are effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, supporting its potential use in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections (Al Hawani et al., 2020).
2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Oak bark extracts may reduce inflammation, as demonstrated by their effects on inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-α. This makes them potentially useful for the treatment of inflammatory conditions that occur during pregnancy (Lorenz et al., 2016).
3. Use in dentistry: Studies have shown that chewing substrates containing oak bark extracts are effective in treating gingivitis in pregnant women. They help improve the physicochemical parameters of saliva and clinical indicators of dental status, which is useful for the prevention and treatment of gum inflammation (Chuykin et al., 2019).
4. Toxicity and Safety: Animal studies have shown that oak bark extracts do not cause significant toxic effects when taken in reasonable doses. However, high doses may cause adverse effects such as changes in hematological parameters and liver enzyme levels, which requires caution when used during pregnancy (Issa et al., 2022).
5. Use of herbal preparations: General studies show that pregnant women often use herbal preparations, believing them to be safe. However, it is important to consult a doctor before using such preparations, as their safety and effectiveness may vary (Holst et al., 2009).

Contraindications

1. Allergies: People with allergies to oak or other plants in the oak family (Fagaceae) may experience an allergic reaction to oak bark.
2. Gastrointestinal Diseases: Oak bark can be traumatic to the gastrointestinal tract and aggravate the symptoms of diseases such as peptic ulcers, gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient information about the safety of oak bark consumption during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is best to refrain from its use during this period.
4. Aluminum-based products: Oak bark may contain high levels of tannins, which may interact with aluminum-based products such as antacids and reduce their effectiveness.
5. Long-term use: Long-term and excessive use of oak bark may lead to unwanted side effects such as upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea due to its high tannin content.

Side effects oak bark

Consuming oak bark may cause a number of side effects, including potential allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, or angioedema. Additionally, due to the tannin content of oak bark, dyspeptic disorders such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. In rare cases, digestive system disorders or allergic skin reactions may occur.

Overdose

Overdosing on oak bark can cause a variety of adverse reactions, especially when consumed in large quantities or in concentrated extract form. Uncontrolled consumption of oak bark can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and other gastrointestinal upsets due to the tannins it contains.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Aluminum-based products: Oak bark contains high levels of tannins, which may interact with aluminum-based products, such as antacids, and reduce their effectiveness.
2. Iron supplements: Tannins found in oak bark can bind with iron from iron supplements, such as iron supplements, and reduce their absorption by the body.
3. Anti-clotting medications: Avoid taking oak bark at the same time as medications such as aspirin or heparin, as it may enhance their effects and increase the risk of bleeding.
4. Blood Sugar Lowering Medications: Oak bark may interact with blood sugar lowering medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas and enhance their hypoglycemic effects.
5. Blood pressure medications: Consider possible interactions with antihypertensive medications such as calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors.