DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

White oak

March 22, 2017

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White oak

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2013 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Related Terms

  • Black oak (Quercus tinctoria), British oak, common oak (Quercus pedunculata), durmast oak (Quercus sessiliflora), English oak (Quercus robur), Fabaceae (family), gallotannins, green oak (Quercus virens), holm oak (Quercus ilex), live oak (Quercus virens), Quebec oak, quercetin, red oak (Quercus petraea, Quercus rubra), royal protector, sessile oak, tanner's bark, tannins (phlobatannin, ellagitannins, gallic acid), turkey oak (Quercus cerris).

Background

  • Of the many species of oak found all over the world, the white oak (Quercus alba) is found primarily in North America. Although there are many species of the Quercus genus, many are thought to have similar properties. The parts of this tree used medicinally are the inner bark and the galls (growths that are produced in reaction to fungi or insects).

  • Traditionally, Native Americans and European settlers have used white oak for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. White oak was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1919, and also in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1936.

  • Due to a lack of available scientific evidence, it is difficult to determine the safety of white oak. Adverse effects associated with white oak include gastrointestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting, which are theoretically due to its tannin content.

Scientific Evidence

Uses

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

No available studies qualify for inclusion in the evidence table.

*Key to grades:A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

  • Antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, appetite stimulant, astringent, bleeding gums, bronchitis, burns, cancer, chilblains (inflammation caused by the cold), colds, cough, diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, digestive aid, dysentery (severe diarrhea), fever, gastrointestinal disorders, growth disorders, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, inflammation, leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), lung conditions, rash (poison ivy), rheumatism, skin conditions, sore throat, strep throat, tonics, tuberculosis (prevention), ulcers, varicose veins, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

  • There is no proven safe or effective dose for white oak. Traditionally, oak bark has been ground to a fine powder and inhaled freely to treat tuberculosis. For diarrhea or dysentery, a decoction of 1 ounce of bark in a quart of water, boiled down to a pint and taken in "wineglassful" doses has been used for no longer than 3-4 days. For chronic sore throat, a decoction of 1 ounce of bark in a quart of water boiled down to a pint and gargled has been used.

  • White oak has also been applied on the skin. Traditionally, a preparation has been formulated by mixing 2 teaspoons of coarsely powdered bark in 500 milliliters of water, followed by straining the solution. Oak bark is not recommended for topical use longer than 2-3 weeks. A decoction of 1 ounce of bark in a quart of water, boiled down to a pint has been applied topically for bleeding gums or piles.

Children (younger than 18 years):

  • There is no proven safe or effective dose for white oak, and use in children is not recommended.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

  • Avoid white oak in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to white oak. Caution is advised in those with allergies to peanuts or tree pollens. One patient experienced an anaphylactic reaction after eating acorn nuts, fruit of the holm oak (a related species, Quercus ilex), who was also allergic to peanuts.

Side Effects and Warnings

  • White oak is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) in the United States, and is often used on an as needed basis, orally and topically. However, there is very little scientific information available supporting the safety of white oak.

  • Gastric irritation, nausea, and vomiting have occurred in association with the ingestion of large doses of white oak.

  • Although not well studied, white oak may cause hepatic (liver) dysfunction; plants with at least 10% tannins may cause necrotic (dead tissue) conditions of the liver. Tannins found in white oak may have adverse effects on the kidneys. Use cautiously in patients with renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) dysfunction. Avoid oak bark baths in those who have cardiac insufficiency (stages III and IV (NYHA)), eczema, hypertonia (muscle tension) or infection.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • White oak is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

  • Combining white oak with medications that may damage the liver (hepatotoxic) should be avoided due to possible additive side effects. Caution is advised.

  • Tannins found in white oak may theoretically have adverse effects on the kidneys; plants with at least 10% tannins may cause kidney damage. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

  • Combining white oak with herbs and supplements that may damage the liver (hepatotoxic) should be avoided due to possible additive side effects. Caution is advised.

  • The primary chemical constituents of oak bark include tannins (phlobatannin, ellagitannins, gallic acid), gallotannins and quercetin. Patients taking quercetin should use caution as there may be additive effects. Tannins found in white oak may theoretically have adverse effects on the kidneys; plants with at least 10% tannins can cause kidney damage. Herbs or supplements with a high tannin percentage may also cause precipitation of constituents of other herbs. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

  • White oak also contains the minerals manganese, calcium, iron, and zinc. Large doses may cause additive effects with multivitamins containing these vitamins and minerals.

Author Information

  • This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

  1. Blumenthal M, et al, ed. The CompleteGerman Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998

  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

  3. Garg SK, Makkar HP, Nagal KB, et al. Oak (Quercus incana) leaf poisoning in cattle. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1992;34(2):161-164. View Abstract

  4. Kinde H. A fatal case of oak poisoning in a double-wattled cassowary (Casuarius casuarius). Avian Dis. 1988;32(4):849-851. View Abstract

  5. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

  6. Lin RY, Clauss AE, Bennett ES. Hypersensitivity to common tree pollens in New York City patients. Allergy Asthma Proc 2002;23(4):253-258. View Abstract

  7. Loria RC, Wilson P, Wedner HJ. Identification of potential allergens in white oak (Quercus alba) pollen by immunoblotting. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1989;84(1):9-18. View Abstract

  8. Maciejewska A, Wojtczak J, Bielichowska-Cybula G, et al. [Biological effect of wood dust]. Med Pr 1993;44(3):277-288. View Abstract

  9. Mammela P, Tuomainen A, Vartiainen T, et al. Biological monitoring of wood dust exposure in nasal lavage by high-performance liquid chromatography. J Environ.Monit. 2002;4(2):187-189. View Abstract

  10. McCune LM, Johns T. Antioxidant activity in medicinal plants associated with the symptoms of diabetes mellitus used by the indigenous peoples of the North American boreal forest. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;82(2-3):197-205. View Abstract

  11. McGuffin M, et al., ed. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997.

  12. Schultz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Tegler, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer, 1998.

  13. Vega A, Dominguez C, Cosmes P, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to ingestion of Quercus ilex acorn nut. Clin Exp Allergy 1998;28(6):739-742. View Abstract

  14. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988, 328-29.

  15. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bissett. Stuttgart Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.

Copyright © 2013 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Updated:  

March 22, 2017