The principal chemical constituents of galls is Tannin (Gallo - Tannicacid) 50 to 70% and about 3% of Gallic acid. Action: Galls are powerfullyAstringent and Styptic. Though Oak galls contains tannic acid, it wouldbe an error, however, to administer pure tannic acid in place of theentire drug. Tannic acid is absorbed in the small intestine, whereasit is protective by Cellulose in the drugs containing tannic acids sothat it reaches the lower intestinal sections unchanged. It unfoldsits action only after absorption into the lymp- stream, influencingand contracting the smooth Musculature.
Uses :
The galls are imported into India. They result from the punctureand deposit of an egg or eggs of an insect Cynips Gallae Tinctoria onthe leaves and buds of various species of oak.. In the beginning thesegalls are Brownish in color and turns green and when the insect presentin it comes out by making a hole the color turns out greenish to whitish.The light green color galls are heavy in weight and used for medicinaluse.
