Quercus

Quercus, commonly known as oak, is a majestic genus of trees celebrated for both its ecological significance and medicinal potential. Rich in tannins and polyphenols, various species offer potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Historically used in traditional medicine, oak bark remains a valuable resource for dermatological treatments.

  • Scientific name: Quercus
  • Family: Fagaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales and the family Fagaceae, it is classified under the genus Quercus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fagales WCVP
Family Fagaceae WCVP
Genus Quercus WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known as Quercus, is widely distributed across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark. Additionally, its presence extends to the northern territories of Finland. The species is also well-established throughout the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, it maintains a significant geographical footprint within the forests of Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Quercus has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic acid, gallic acid, glucose, piperonylic acid, raffinose.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glucose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piperonylic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
raffinose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sucrose 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Quercus has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Gastroprotective.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Quercus has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, anaphylactic shock, bacterial vaginosis, bronchoconstriction, dyspareunia.

Total uses
10
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
anaphylactic shock 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bacterial vaginosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bronchoconstriction 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dyspareunia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dysuria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypotension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
itching 1 ★☆☆☆☆
odor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆