Manjakani

Manjakani or "Oak galls" comes from oak trees indigenous to Asia Minor and Persia. They are produced when the leaves of the oak tree (Quercus infectoria) are penetrated by stinging wasps. The spontaneous chemical reaction caused by the penetration stimulates the leaves to produce a roundish hard ball called an oak gall.

The galls, which contain tannin and small amounts of gallic acid and ellagic acid have antimicrobial qualities and are used in Malaysia by women after childbirth to restore the elasticity of the uterine wall. It is called Majuphal in India, where it has been used as dental powder and as a treatment for toothache and gingivitis.

Manjakani can be applied topically or taken orally as pills.

References

• Basri DF, Fan SH. The potential of aqueous and acetone extracts of galls of Quercus infectoria as antibacterial agents. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2005;37:26-9
• Manjakani store : http://www.Indonesiaherbals.com

See also

• Oak
• Oak apple
• Gall wasp