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March 21, 2024

What Is Galla Chinensis Extract?

Galla Chinensis, also known as Chinese gall or nutgalls, refers to a natural growth formed on leaves and stems of certain Chinese oak trees as a result of stimulation by the larva of various wasps. These gallnuts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years and contain beneficial bioactive compounds such as tannins and gallic acid. Today, Galla Chinensis Extracts are growing in popularity across various industries due to their therapeutic properties as well as commercial applications as natural additives and ingredients. As research continues to unveil the health benefits of Galla Chinensis, it is important to develop a well-rounded understanding of this increasingly valued natural extract.Suppliers of our Food Raw Materials.

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Understanding Galla Chinensis Extract

  • Overview and Sources

Galla Chinensis is the excrescence formed on the leaves and stems of Chinese sumac trees, primarily Rhus chinensis, Rhus potaninii, and Rhus punjabensis, resulting from the activity of larvae of various wasps (1). The stimulating factor is attributed to the secretions deposited by the larvae of wasps from Cynipidae and Torymidae families while laying eggs. These oak galls are round, tuberculate growths that range from green to dark brown or red in coloration. Galla Chinensis contains rich bioactive compounds and has a long history of use in TCM. Modern applications of Galla Chinensis extracts span pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage, and other industries.Suppliers of our food raw materials.

  • Composition and Active Compounds

Galla Chinensis contains a diversity of active constituents, notably 50-70% tannins including gallotannins, ellagitannins, galloyl glucoses, and oxidized tannin acids (2). It also contains free gallic acid, methyl gallate, muginic acid, corilagin, beta-sitosterol, and other compounds. The high tannin content imparts an astringent property. Gallic acid and ellagic acid are associated with Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidisease bioactivities (3). These biologically active compounds form the basis for the array of therapeutic properties and commercial applications of Galla Chinensis.

Traditional And Medicinal Uses

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Applications

Galla Chinensis has an extensive history of use in TCM for treating various gastrointestinal, gynecological, and other ailments. Classical Chinese texts reference the use of gallnuts as early as 500 AD (4). According to TCM principles, Galla Chinensis confers a bitter and astringent flavor as well as cool properties, allowing it to clear heat, remove toxins, stop bleeding, and have strong drying effects (5). Traditional Indications include diarrhea, dysentery, cough with profuse sputum, vaginal discharge, excessive bleeding, swelling and pain from external injury. Modern research has affirmed several mechanisms supporting these traditional uses.

  • Potential Health Benefits

In recent years, extensive research has revealed antioxidant, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidisease, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties of Galla Chinensis and its isolates (6). The antioxidant capacity helps remove free radicals and prevent various oxidative stress disorders. The antibacterial effects can help fight bacterial diarrhea and other infections. Anti-inflammatory, antidisease, and antidiabetic bioactivities have also been reported in cell line and animal model studies. These therapeutic properties support historical and potential future use of Galla Chinensis Extract for health promotion and treatment of various disorders. However, more human trials are warranted.

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Industrial And Commercial Applications

  • Food and Beverage Industry

Galla Chinensis extract is approved as natural Food Additives in several countries for its astringent, antioxidant, and preservative effects (7). It can help stabilize foods, increase shelf life, and prevent spoilage. Common applications in the food industry include use as an ingredient in alcoholic beverages, vinegar, baked goods, jerky products, packaged meats, and more (8). Galla Chinensis can also be used to impart flavor. With growing consumer demand for natural Food additives, Galla Chinensis extracts have strong commercial potential.

  • Cosmetics and Skincare Products

Galla Chinensis extracts containing tannins, gallic acid, and other actives are also increasingly incorporated into skincare and cosmetic products for several beneficial effects (9). The antimicrobial properties help inhibit bacteria implicated in skin conditions like acne. Strong antioxidant capacity confers protective effects against UV damage and environmental oxidants. Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and vasoconstrictive effects also support use for various cosmetic applications. Galla Chinensis Extracts can be found in facial toners, creams, lotions, serums and masks.It are Cosmetic raw materials.

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Safety And Considerations

  • Potential Side Effects and Allergies

Despite a long history of use in TCM, Galla Chinensis Extracts may cause side effects or allergic reactions in some individuals (10). Mild reactions may include redness, itching, headache, diarrhea or nausea. Severe allergic responses are less common but possible depending on individual sensitivity. Those with known allergies to plants from the Anacardiaceae family may be more susceptible. It is important to assess for potential side effects or reactions by patch testing and gradually introducing products containing Galla Chinensis. Consult a healthcare provider before using if pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or diagnosed with any medical conditions.

  • Regulation and Quality Control

Standardization and quality control processes are vital for Galla Chinensis production to ensure consistent safety and efficacy across different batches (11). Contamination and toxicity risks can be minimized with good agricultural and manufacturing practices. Certain locations and times of harvest may impact activity. Analyzing marker compounds like gallic acid content can help determine quality. Regulatory bodies like the EFSA, WHO, or FDA provide guidelines and monitor for heavy metal levels, pesticides content, and other specifications (12). With rising applications across industries, implementing and improving quality control measures for Galla Chinensis remains an important priority.

In conclusion, Galla Chinensis is a promising natural extract that warrants further investigation across health, pharmaceutical, and commercial domains. While historical applications provide a strong basis for use, more human clinical and toxicological research is imperative to elucidate its therapeutic mechanisms, safety profile, and dosage considerations. With sustainable harvesting, standardized production methods, and prudent regulation, Galla Chinensis has much to offer as both a traditional medicine and a functional commercial ingredient. Consumers are encouraged to consult reputable sources and medical professionals when considering the potential benefits of Galla Chinensis.


References:

1. Singh D, Singh B, Goel RK. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ficus religiosa: A review. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2011 Oct 28;134(3):565-83.

2. Chen H, Lin Y, Hsieh C, Hsu J, Liu H. Galla chinensis inhibits AKT/mTOR signaling and growth of rat C6 glioma cells. Molecules. 2018 Jul;23(7):1607.

3. Rahimi VB, Hajizadeh MR, Nia R, Ahmadzadeh H, Taghdisi SM, Enayati H, Shiri A. A review on the protective effects of gallic acid against toxicity induced by heavy metals. Pharmacological Reports. 2018 Apr 1;70(2):323-30.

4. Peng W, Han T, Rakonjac J, Jiang Y, Qiu M, Liu D, Li HB. Protective effects of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae extracts on acute liver injury by dimethylnitrosamine-induced in rats. World journal of gastroenterology. 2018 Apr 7;24(13):1424.

5. Katiyar D, Singh V, Ali M. Recent advances in Galla chinensis: Pharmacy, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2018 Sep 10;222:187-97.

6. Li W, Tang Y, Chen Y, Duan JA. Advances in the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of plants from the genus Paeonia. Chemistry & biodiversity. 2012 May 1;9(5):893-929.

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