Oak: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
White oak
Scientific name(s)
Quercus pedunculata, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Quercus pubescens
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Saponins
Tannins
Pectin
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
Several preliminary clinical studies conducted on a patented Robuvit® oak bark extract (Quercus robur) show improvements in fatigue and oxidative stress markers. In another study, the same extract was examined. 70 women were divided into two groups: one received 300 mg/day of Robuvit® and the other a placebo, for 8 weeks. After 4 weeks, a significant improvement in general and mental health was observed in the Robuvit® group compared to the placebo. In gemmotherapy, oak is recommended for fatigue or overwork and during convalescence. The buds are said to have a regenerative and stimulating effect on the adrenal glands.
Posologie
The Oak-wood Extract Robuvit® Improves Recovery and Oxidative Stress after Hysterectomy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study
Improvement in mood, oxidative stress, fatigue, and insomnia following supplementary management with Robuvit®
Robuvit® and endurance in triathlon: improvements in training performance, recovery and oxidative stress
Rejuvenate our tissues with buds. Dr. MAX TETAU, Dr. DANIEL SCIMECA
Constituents and Metabolites of a French Oak Wood Extract (Robuvit®) in Serum and Blood Cell Samples of Women Undergoing Hysterectomy
Sexual disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Oak bud is known for its action on sexual disorders: as a stimulant, it can be used to combat male impotence, frigidity, and lack of libido (sexual asthenia).
Posologie
Diarrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
For a long time, barks have been used as an astringent remedy for diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding... The EMA indicates that oak bark is used for the symptomatic treatment of mild diarrhea.
Posologie
Stomatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA indicates that oak bark is used for the symptomatic treatment of minor inflammations of the oral or skin mucosa.
Posologie
Hemorrhoids ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA indicates that oak bark is used for the symptomatic relief of itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids.
Posologie
Properties
Hormonal metabolism
In gemmotherapy, buds are used as adrenal cortex stimulants. A patented oak wood extract from the species Quercus robur (Robuvit®) is obtained by water extraction. It contains a mixture of antioxidants, ellagitannins, roburins, and bioflavonoids. This extract works at the cellular level on mitochondria, thanks to its metabolite, Urolithin A, which activates mitophagy (degradation and recycling of mitochondria) for mitochondrial regeneration. It also has effects on muscle growth and protein synthesis, thanks to Urolithin B, and reduces oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma. Clinically, the use of Robuvit® has shown improvements in sleep, sports performance, reduction of chronic fatigue symptoms, mood enhancement, erectile function, and recovery after surgery.
Usages associés
The Oak-wood Extract Robuvit® Improves Recovery and Oxidative Stress after Hysterectomy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study
Constituents and Metabolites of a French Oak Wood Extract (Robuvit®) in Serum and Blood Cell Samples of Women Undergoing Hysterectomy
Antioxidant
Laboratory research suggests these antioxidant activities play a role in anti-inflammatory effects. In humans, the use of a specific oak wood extract (Robuvit) increases the total antioxidant capacity of blood, likely by boosting antioxidant enzyme activities. Lipid and protein oxidation is reduced. These antioxidant activities are believed to play a role in the diverse clinical effects observed in clinical research, including the reduction of edema, fatigue, and liver damage. The antioxidant effects of oak bark extract may also contribute to improved physical performance and increased energy in aging individuals. The antioxidant activity of oak leaves has also been demonstrated in laboratory models and may be superior to that of oak bark.
Absorption, metabolism, and effects at transcriptome level of a standardized French oak wood extract, Robuvit, in healthy volunteers: pilot study
Antioxidant characterization of oak extracts combining spectrophotometric assays and chemometrics
Anti-inflammatory
Oak has cortisone-like action, used for gastrointestinal inflammations.
Usages associés
Astringent
The tannin content in oak bark promotes astringent properties.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 300 mg - 560 mg (dry extract)
Oral use of oak bark is safe for adults, for a duration of 3 to 4 days, especially in the treatment of diarrhea. Orally: - 3 g in 250 ml of water, 3 times a day. - 1 g of powdered capsules, 3 times a day. - Dry extract 140 mg; 4 times a day. For mouthwash: - Decoction 20 g per liter of water. For sitz bath: - 5 g per liter of water, bath duration 20 minutes.
Precautions
Child up to 18 years: avoid
Use in children and adolescents under 18 years is not recommended.
Pregnant woman: avoid
Due to insufficient data, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Due to insufficient data, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Liver disorders: avoid
Theoretically, oral use of white oak bark could worsen liver dysfunction.
Kidney insufficiency: avoid
Theoretically, oral use of white oak bark could worsen kidney disorders.