galla chinensis

Galla chinensis is a traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from the gall produced mainly by parasitic aphids (notably Schlechtendalia chinensis and Melaphis chinensis) on the leaves of Rhus species such as Rhus chinensis. The galls are rich in hydrolyzable tannins—primarily gallic acid and its derivatives—which can constitute 50–70% of their weight. In traditional use, Galla chinensis is considered bitter, sour, cold and astringent. It has been used for over 1400 years in China to treat diarrhea (including dysentery), chronic coughs (especially with blood-streaked sputum), night sweats, spontaneous perspiration, bleeding (intestinal or uterine), hemorrhoids, prolapse conditions (uterine or anal), diabetes symptoms ("wasting and thirsting"), abscesses/sores with exudation and other skin lesions[1][2][3][5][6][8]. Modern research indicates it has antibacterial (notably anti-caries/anticariogenic effects via inhibition of oral bacteria biofilms), antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[5][6]. Its main active component is gallic acid; other constituents include small molecule gallotannins and phenolic acids[7][10]. The mechanism for some uses—such as antidiarrheal effect—is attributed to hydrolyzable tannins reducing intestinal fluid secretion[9].

Other names

Galla Rhois ChinensisChinese gallNutgallsGallnut of Chinese SumacWu Bei Zi五倍子