Pharmacology of Quercus infectoria.
The galls of Quercus infectoria (Fagaceae), a commonly available plant in Iran, were studied pharmacologically. Two fractions were employed, a dried acetone-treated methanol extract dissolved in water (Fraction A) and a subfraction prepared by chloroform-methanol extraction (Fraction B). Fraction A was active as an analgesic in rats and significantly reduced blood sugar levels in rabbits. Fraction B had CNS depressant activity. Data obtained with a treadmill indicated a decreased activity ratio by Fraction B, suggesting a possible interference in motor coordination. It potentiated the barbiturate sleeping time significantly without changing the onset time or the loss of the righting reflex. In addition, Fraction B exhibited a moderate antitremorine activity by causing a delay in the onset and a decrease in the severity of tremorine-induced tremors. The local anesthetic action of Fraction B was evident due to the complete blockade of the isolated frog sciatic nerve conduction.
D000700:Analgesics; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000818:Animals; D001001:Anura; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010424:Pentobarbital / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits; D014203:Tremorine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000700:Analgesics; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010424:Pentobarbital; D014203:Tremorine