Bur Oak
See also: Quercus (genus) and White Oak Group
Constituents
Polyphenol Profile and Pharmaceutical Potential of Quercus spp. Bark Extracts -
HPLC-DAD analyses revealed the availability of several polyphenols in high amounts, including ellagic acid (in Q. robur) and caffeic acid. It also contains Epicatechin, Epigalloctechin, Gallic acid, Protocatechuic acid.
This species is included in the Red List Species Program by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as a species of least concern. Q. macrocarpa is a valuable species for cultivation with high drought tolerance. Little is known about the chemical composition and possible bioactivity of its bark.
Quercus macrocarpa, also known as the bur oak or burr oak, has been used for medicinal purposes. The bark is astringent and tonic and an infusion of it has been used to treat diarrhea. A decoction of the root or inner bark has been used to treat cramps . Any galls produced on the tree are strongly astringent and can be used to treat hemorrhages, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, etc. Native Americans have also used the astringent bark to treat wounds, sores, rashes, and diarrhea.