Duba 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 that 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, sore throat and hemorrhoids. Decoctions and infusions of oak bark are used for rinsing, baths and compresses.
2. Cosmetology: Oak bark extracts are included in many cosmetic products for skin and hair care. They help 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 that has 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 may help relieve diarrhea, constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal problems due to its antidiarrheal and anticonstipation 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 remedy to treat 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 diseases.

Release form

1. Raw Bark: Pieces of raw oak bark may be available as a folk medicine 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 may be available as a liquid extract or powder.
3. Tablets or Capsules: Oak bark may also be available in the form of 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 to treat various skin conditions.

Pharmacodynamics

Main effects and mechanisms of action

1. Antimicrobial effect: Oak bark extract has a pronounced antimicrobial effect against various bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial effect is due to the high content of polyphenols, such as catechins and ellagic acid (Deryabin & Tolmacheva, 2015).
2. Anti-inflammatory effect: Oak bark extract and its tannins (tannins) 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 anticandiosis activity: Oak bark extracts show activity against various bacterial pathogens and Candida albicans, which confirms their potential in the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections (Šukele et al., 2022).
5. Antiallergic effect: 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

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

Normally, 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 rinses and lotions:

   • For rinsing the mouth and throat: For inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat (stomatitis, gingivitis, sore throat).
     • Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed bark into 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 2 tablespoons of crushed bark into 1 glass (200 ml) of boiling water, boil in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, then leave for 1 hour, strain.
     • Apply as a lotion to affected areas of the 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 duration of the procedure is 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 into 1 cup (200 ml) of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, then leave for 1 hour, strain.
     • Take 1/3 glass 2-3 times a day before meals.

2. Infusion:

   • To strengthen the body and treat internal inflammatory processes.
     • Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed bark into 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:

• Before starting treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially for internal use.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage and duration of use to avoid side effects.
• Allergic reactions are possible; if they occur, stop use 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: Oak bark has antimicrobial properties, making it useful for treating infections. For example, studies have shown that oak bark extracts are effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, 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 treating inflammatory conditions that occur during pregnancy (Lorenz et al., 2016).
3. Dental Use: Research has shown that chewable 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 negative 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 Medicines: General studies show that pregnant women often use herbal medicines, believing them to be safe. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before using such drugs, 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. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: 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 consuming oak bark during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, during this period it is better to refrain from using it.
4. Aluminium-based products: Oak bark may contain large amounts of tannins, which can interact with aluminum-based products, such as antacids, and reduce their effectiveness.
5. Long-term use: Long-term and excessive consumption of oak bark may lead to unwanted side effects such as stomach upset, constipation or diarrhea due to its high tannin content.

Side effects Oak bark

Consumption of oak bark may cause a number of side effects, including potential allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, or angioedema. In addition, due to the tannin content in 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

An overdose of oak bark can lead to various adverse reactions, especially when consumed in large quantities or in the form of concentrated extracts. Uncontrolled consumption of oak bark can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and other gastrointestinal disorders due to the tannins it contains.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Aluminium-based products: Oak bark contains high levels of tannins, which can interact with aluminum-based products such as antacids and reduce their effectiveness.
2. Iron supplements: Tannins found in oak bark can bind to the iron from iron supplements, such as iron supplements, and reduce their absorption by the body.
3. Anti-blood clotting medications: Avoid taking oak bark with medications such as aspirin or heparin as this may increase 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 increase their hypoglycemic effects.
5. Medicines to lower blood pressure: Be aware of possible interactions with antihypertensive drugs such as calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors.