Introduction

Quercus sp. (Fagaceae family) is the forest tree with over 200 species in the world, which they have been distributed in different geographical regions of north hemisphere. The morphology of plant of this genus (Quercus sp.) is depended on the species. Some species of Quercus are tremendous trees and the others are small trees or shrubs. In Iran, there are fifteen species of Quercus, which have long history of medicinal use in Traditional Medicines.

Some species of Quercus have important position in industry and their wood, crock, barks, gums, and galls are used in pharmaceutical and food industries. The distinctive feature of this genus is its high content of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (50–70%) [1]. Quercus sp. fruits are used for cooking bread. The crushed fruit is used for preparing the flour, and then is mixed with water and for sweeting; it remains for 3 days in ambient conditions. The sweet paste is used for cooking bread. This bread is nutritive and a little indigestive [2].

One important member of this genus is Quercus infectoria, which has two important medicinal parts including: galls and fruit hulls with traditional names of “Mazo” and “Jaft-E-Baloot”, respectively [3]. “Mazo” or round-shaped galls are formed on leaves, buds and young branches of Quercus sp., especially on different parts of Q. infectoria by stinging “Adleria gallae tinctoria” insect, indeed “Mazo” is produced on tree in reaction to insect’s sting. “Mazo” has different size and shape and it depends on species [4].

“Jaft-E-Baloot” is the thin dark brown color inner woody hulls of Q. infectoria fruits, indeed, after picking the Q. infectoria fruits in fall and removing their shells, the second skin of fruits is known as “Jaft-E-Baloot” (Fig. 1). From ancient times, Q. infectoria has special location among the Iranian folklore knowledge in management of diseases [5]. In folklore terms, “Jaft-E-Baloot” or “Mazo” have the same application due to the high concentration of tannin (50–70%) [6], while they are two different parts.

Fig. 1
figure 1

a Oak gall (Mazo), b Oak fruit hulls (Jaft-E-Baloot)

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Therefore, due to similar applications of “Jaft-E-Baloot” or “Mazo” in traditional medicine and the same source of plant, these two medicinal parts of Q. infectoria were the subject of this review article. For preparing of this manuscript, electronics resources (PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Magiran, and Springer), books, thesis, etc. were searched up to Feb 2020 by key words of “oak gall”, “oak fruit hulls”, “Mazo”, “Jaft-E-Baloot”, “female disorder”, “urogenital tract”. The main reason for choosing these two parts in management of female disorders was the potency of tannins and these two parts in treatment of women diseases especially diseases related to genital system. Although, there are many other applications for “Jaft-E-Baloot” and “Mazo” in traditional medicine, we decided to focus on female genital disorder. Before everything, the traditional believes on each parts was reviewed.

Jaft-E-Baloot in traditional medicine

Jaft-E-Baloot is known as astringent compound [7], and its powder in the form of capsule is used orally to tighten stomach, treat diarrhea, and abdominal cramps [8]. Due to high tannins content of Jaft-E-Baloot, it has some biological characteristics such as albumin sedimentation, tissue protective effects, anti-microbial and anti-tuberculosis, wound healing, and astringent effects [7]. The topical or external applications of Jaft-E-Baloot decoctions are higher than internal uses. Jaft-E-Baloot decoctions topically are used in bath for treatment of cancerous ulcers, glands inflammation, infectious ulcers, vaginal discharges, and painful gonorrhea [3]. In Iranian Traditional Medicine, Jaft-E-Baloot powder are applied in treatment of toothache and gingivitis [9] and orally for treatment of menorrhagia [3]. Jaft-E-Baloot powder is used for management of urinary infections in north Khorasan, Iran [10].

Mazoo in traditional medicine

Mazo is popular compound in Malaysia, which is used for infectious diseases, especially urinary tract infections and for treatment the women during postpartum period [4]. In Unani medicine, Mazo is absorbent, desiccant and used for treatment of wounds, leucorrhea, gingivitis, rectal and uterine prolapse, intestinal ulcers, menorrhagia, chronic diarrhea, asthma, cough, pleurisy, frequent and irregular fevers, intestinal worms, gonorrhea and bleeding disorders [8]. Due to cold and dry temperament of Mazo, it is used topically to cure foul sweating, herpes, ring worms, frostbite, inflammation, infectious skins, eye diseases, and blepharitis. Mazo powder in vinegar is used for treatment of ringworms and alopecia. Mazo powder in the form of ointment is used for rectum prolapse, vaginal laxity and anal diseases. For excessive vaginal discharges, and leucorrhoea, Mazo is used in the form of pessaries [11]. Mazo is orally used for treatment of menorrhagia in Iranian traditional medicine [3]. The Mazo powder as solution or with croton seed oil as suppository is used for management of internal discharges, in south of Iran [2].

According to traditional application of Mazo and Jaft-E-Baloot in female genital disorders, this review focused on their efficacy in management of these ailments.

Mazo and its effects on vaginal infections

Vaginal infections are prevalent among women, which are caused by three most important microorganisms: Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis and Gardenella vaginalis, although, the other microorganisms may cause the vaginal infections.

Candida sp. as normal flora of the vagina could be the cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis in women under prevailing conditions. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is associated with itching, erythema and vaginal discharge. The high prevalence of disease and its recurrent condition is associated with high economic costs on the society. Candida albicans is the most prevalent cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis [11]. Therefore, the antimicrobial effects of Mazo or Jaft-E-Baloot against the vaginal infection, can confirm its potency in treatment of vaginal discharge according to its traditional believes.

In traditional medicine, “Mazo” and “Jaft”, both are used topically for treatment of vaginal discharges [9]. Investigation in modern medicine exhibited that Mazo was the subject of experimental studies for evaluating its potency in vaginal infections. The anti-Candidal effects of Mazo aqueous and methanol extracts were confirmed against Candida sp. (Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. parapilosis). Candida krusei was the most sensitive species to Mazo extract. Investigation in chemical composition of Mazo methanol and aqueous extracts indicated the presence of 1, 2, 3- benzenetriol (pyrogallol) as the main tannin components [7]. Pyrogallol is a hydroxylated compound with confirmed antimicrobial effect and synergistic effects with antibiotics [12, 13].

Trichomoniasis as most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection and as third cause for vulvovaginal infection is caused by protozoan parasite “Trichomonas vaginalis”, which is associated with vaginal itching, abdominal pain, and dysuria [14]. Mazo methanol extract inhibited the growth of T. vaginalis trophozoites with IC50 values of 21.3 and 3.4 μg/ml after 24 and 48 h, respectively [6].

Gardenella vaginalis is highly prevalent in women and the main cause of vaginal infections [15]. Although, there is no study on antibacterial effects of Mazo against Gardenella vaginalis, the antibacterial effects of Mazo ethanol extract exhibited against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and it has shown the ethanol extract interfered with autolysins and β-lactamase enzymes of Staphylococcus aureus [9]. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities of Mazo aqueous and methanol extracts were confirmed against Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and S. pneumonia [16].

Different mechanisms may be responsible for its antimicrobial effects. Tannins showed the antimicrobial effects in different ways. First, the astringent potency of the tannins induces a complexion with bacterial enzymes or substrates. Therefore, the microbial enzymes are inhibited in presence of tannins. Second, tannins may act on microbial membranes and disrupt the cells and third, tannins complex with microbial metal ions and this complex is toxic for microorganisms [17].

The results of experimental studies confirmed the anti-candidal and anti-trichomonal activities of Mazo extracts in vitro conditions, but there is no study on antimicrobial effects of Jaft-E-Baloot against these microorganisms. Jaft-E-Baloot can be the subject of future studies, because due to high concentration of tannins can be introduced as anti-microbial agent.

Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the potency of Mazo or Jaft-E-Baloot in treatment of vaginal infections, especially trichomonasis and candidiasis.

Mazo in treatment of cervicitis

Cervicitis or cervix inflammation is the common disease of female genital tract, which is associated with acute or chronic inflammation and vaginal discharge [18]. One application of Mazo or Jaft-E-Baloot in traditional medicine is the use of these products in treatment of inflammatory diseases of genital tract.

Investigation in scientific resources exhibited that in one randomized observational study, the intra-vaginal application of Mazo decoction as tampon has been evaluated on subjective or objective parameters of chronic cervicitis of thirty women (18–40 years old). The patients administered the treatment for 7 nights after their menses. Application of Mazo decoction significantly improved all subjective (discharge, low backache, supra pubic pain, dyspareunia, pruritus vulvae, dysuria; p < 0.001) and objectives (discharge, congestion, hypertrophy, nabothian follicles, velvety appearance; p < 0.001) parameters in patients with chronic cervicitis [19]. Cervicitis is usually associated with purulent or muco-purulent discharge. Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea [20,21,22], Mycoplasma genitalium, bacterial vaginitis, abnormality of vaginal flora, genital herpes, frequent douching, contraceptives or chemical irritants [22, 23] are the main causes of cervicitis. Therefore, Mazo decoction with antimicrobial activity [9, 14], and anti-inflammatory [24] effects reduces the subjective and objectives parameters of chronic cervicitis. Tannins compounds [24, 25] in Mazo are responsible for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

The mechanisms, responsible for antimicrobial effects of tannins were explained in last section [17]. Tannins possess anti-inflammatory effects which are positively associated with their antioxidant activities [26]. Tannins in experimental studies modulate the inflammatory cytokine release [27] and inhibit producing nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins [28]. It has been found that the anti-inflammatory effects of tannins are related to their ability to scavenge the free radicals rather than inhibitory effects of on production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines [29].

There is no study on effectiveness of Jaft-E-Baloot on cervicitis, but due to its high content of tannins [25], it can be used for management of female vaginal inflammatory diseases.

Mazo and utero-vaginal prolapses

Uterine prolapse is the prolapse of posterior and anterior vaginal compartments with unknown etiology. Age, family history, race, high body mass index, vaginal delivery and constipation are the risk factors for development of female uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse is a recurrent disease which is known by vaginal, urinary, bowel and sexual clinical symptoms [23]. The main treatment for this disorder is gynecological surgery [30]. The potency of Mazo decoction in management of first and second degrees utero-vaginal prolapse was the subject of one randomized single blind placebo control study. In this study, 30 women with first and second degrees of utero-vaginal prolapse received 20 g oral powder of Mazo in the form of decoction for 8 weeks. Mazo decoction reduced the mean score of mass per vaginum, urinary incontinence, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), PDI-Q, and women’s QoL (Quality of Life Scale) scores. The results of this clinical study confirmed the efficacy of Mazo decoction in management of utero-vaginal prolapse as well as quality of life scale in women [31]. The results of this clinical study confirmed the oral administration of Mazo decoction as suitable candidate for management of utero-vaginal prolapse, but it requires performing well designed clinical trials on topical form of Mazo or Jaft-E-Baloot.

Mazo and their anti-cancer effects

Cancer as global concern among women is the second leading cause of death in some countries. Breast, cervical, uterine corpus, ovarian, colorectal, liver and lung cancers are prevalent with high incidence among the women [32]. The other important application of Mazo or Jaft-E-Baloot can be its anti-proliferative effects in vitro conditions. Mazo aqueous extract in the form of vaginal cream was evaluated against HeLa cell lines by MTT assay. Then, the effects of this vaginal cream was evaluated for the expression of HPV E6 and E7 protein in HeLa cell lines by Western blot analysis, the histopathological examinations were used to evaluate the toxicity effect of Mazo vaginal cream for 3 weeks on the lower reproductive tract of female rat animal model. The IC50 value of Mazo aqueous extract and its vaginal cream against HeLa cell lines were 13.9 ± 2.27, and 20.8 ± 1.94 μg/ml, respectively, which suppressed the expression of HPV E6 and E7 in HeLa cell lines. No report of inflammation in vaginal mucosa and cervix was reported after 3 weeks daily administration of Mazo vaginal cream [33]. This anti-proliferative effects of Mazo aqueous extract and its vaginal cream may be related to high DPPH radical scavenging activity. The anti-cancer effects of Mazo aqueous or ethanol extract were evaluated against cervical cancer (HeLa), ovarian cancer (Caov-3), normal kidney (Vero) and normal fibroblast (L929) cell lines compared with cisplatin as positive control. Mazo aqueous extract exhibited higher anti-proliferative effects towards HeLa cells (IC50 value = 13.64 ± 2.39 μg/ml) than that of its ethanol extract. Mazo aqueous extract alters the nuclear morphology and creates the apoptosis through p53-dependant pathway, which is associated with down-regulation Bcl-2 and enhancing the secretion of cytochrome C, which facilitates the apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. Mazo aqueous extract had no effect on Bax expression [34]. Mazo aqueous extract induced the apoptosis in cancerous cell lines by different mechanisms, which introduce it or Jaft-E-Baloot as topical anticancer agent.

Jaft-E-Baloot and vaginal laxity

The laxity of vaginal canal alters by hormonal changes, childbirth, weight fluctuations or vaginal infections. Vaginal atrophy, dryness and its relaxation affect the woman’s sexual activity, quality of life and their self-confidence [35]. In traditional medicine, Mazo or Jaft-E-Baloot are known as astringent and due to their tissue protective properties are useful for vaginal tissues, therefore, it can be used as vaginal astringent agent in clinics. In spite of the use of Mazo extracts in treatment of different female disorders, Jaft-E-Baloot has been used for clinical studies of vaginal tightness; although Mazo has the good potency in this regard.

In one double blind clinical study on women with complaint of vaginal relaxation (n = 120), the efficacy of Jaft-E-Baloot solution (1.5%, 2, and 2.5%) was evaluated on personal satisfaction, orgasm, vaginal tightness during intercourse, vaginal loosing feeling, urinary incontinence, feeling the mass in the vagina, the feeling of not reaching to orgasm, feeling the air existence during intercourse, calm feeling after vicinity, and libido before and after interventions. The patients randomly were divided into four groups (n = 30) and completed two questionnaires including demographic properties and sexual satisfaction. Then, the patients of each group were recommended to use the Jaft-E-Baloot extract gel at concentrations of 1.5, 2 and 2.5% or placebo gel. For preparing the final formulation, dried Jaft-E-Baloot methanol (80%) extract was used in gel formulation. The patients received the vaginal gels for 3 days after menstruation, 5 min before sexual activity. The patients were evaluated after treatments in regard of adverse effects and sexual satisfaction by questionnaire. The scores were divided in five levels of totally satisfied (81–100), fairly satisfied (61–80), no comment (41–60), fairly unsatisfied (21–40), and total unsatisfied (0–20). In this study, the average ages of patients were 36 ± 5.4 years old with at least one vaginal delivery. Forty-two patients (35%) had one case of giving birth by caesarian. Sixty five percent of patients had perinea and vaginal muscle relaxation and 35% had bladder prolapse. After intervention, there was significant difference in average of sexual satisfaction in patients of Jaft-E-Baloot gel at concentration of 2.5% compared with the other groups. 60% of patients in Jaft-E-Baloot gel (2.5%) experienced a satisfied orgasm, while no patients in other groups experienced the orgasm (p < 0.001). The feelings of vaginal tightness were 93%, 33% and 6.7% for Jaft-E-Baloot gels 2.5%, 2% and 1.5%, respectively. Vaginal dryness as the most prevalent disorder was treated in 86.7%, 43.3%, 33.3% and 33.3% of patients receiving Jaft-E-Baloot gels 2.5%, 2%, 1.5% and placebo gel, respectively. The other disorders containing urinary incontinence, the feeling of existence of mass in vagina, not reaching to orgasm, feeling of gas existence during intercourse, calm feeling after intercourse, and libido significantly were different in the group of 2.5% vaginal gel compared to other groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). There was no adverse effects after administration of Jaft-E-Baloot vaginal gels [36]. Thus, Jaft-E-Baloot gel tightens the vaginal laxity, and improves the disorders related to vaginal relaxation. So, Jaft-E-Baloot extracts can be topically used in women as sexual and rejuvenation products.

Toxicity and safety of Q. infectoria

Jaft-E-Baloot methanol extract in the form of vaginal gel, 3 days after menstruation was safe and without any adverse effect in human clinical study [36]. Oral daily doses of Mazo aqueous extract (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 or 1 g/kg/day) on the fertility (premating) and embryonic development (gestation days of 16–20 of pregnancy) in female Sprague Dawley rats showed no mortality, no abnormal behavioral changes (fetuses with normal physical characteristics without congenital malformation) and adverse health status. Pregnancy index, percentages of pre-implantation loss, total number of corpora lutea, reproductive organ weights, number of implantation sites, and post-implantation death was not affected from treatments during the pregnancy. 1 g/kg/day oak Mazo aqueous extract had no selective toxicity during fertility, pregnancy and embryonic developmental parameters. The dose for its adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 125 mg/kg/day [37]. In other study, Mazo ethanol extract was safe up to a maximum dose of 8 g/kg body weight of healthy adult albino rats in acute toxicity test [38]. The acute toxicity evaluation of Mazo extract at three doses of 5, 7.5 and 10 g/kg for 14 consecutive days showed that maximum tolerate dose was higher than 10 g/kg. Daily rectal administration of Mazo aqueous extract for 180 days produced no sign of clinical toxicity in rabbits. 10 g/kg Mazo aqueous extract is 300 times higher than its daily dose according to traditional medicines [39]. The daily dose of Mazo in traditional medicine is 3–5 g. For reducing the adverse effects of internal uses of Mazo, and Jafe-E-Baloot on chest, Samag-E-Arbi (Acacia arabica gum) is used as corrective compound [2].

Conclusion

Among different Quercus sp. Q. infectoria is the most popular species for treatment of gynecological disorders. Two different medicinal parts of Q. infectoria are used in traditional medicines. The first part is the fruit hulls with Iranian traditional name of “Jaft-E-Baloot “and the other medicinal part is its galls, which is known as “mazo” in Iran and is produced in reaction of young branches to insect bites. The main chemical components, responsible for its biological activities are tannins (50–70%). Tannins are astringent [7], antimicrobial [40, 41], anti-inflammatory [26] and anti-cancer [42] agents, therefore they are broad extended agents for management of female ailments. Majority of studies have been on Mazo, and there is only one clinical study for Jaft-E-Baloot on vaginal laxity, although, these two medicinal parts have the same biological activities and even Jaft-E-Baloot is cheaper than Mazo. Thus, Jaft-E-Baloot is known in different parts of world and in different traditional systems, while Jaft-E-Baloot is known in Iranian Traditional medicine as medicinal plant especially for women. Therefore, the most clinical and experimental studies have been performed on Mazo and the studies on efficacy of Jaft-E-Baloot are belonged to Iranian researchers. Due to the tannin content of Mazo and Jaft-E-Baloot, the indications can be the same. The efficacy of Mazo and Jaft-E-Baloot were confirmed in different ailments of women such as vaginal infections, cervicitis, utero-vaginal prolapse, vaginal laxity, and cancer. The studies on anti-cancer and vaginal infection are experimental research, but its efficacy on cervicitis, utero-vaginal prolapse, and vaginal laxity were confirmed in clinics and animal studies. Designing large clinical studies on efficacy of Jaft-E-Baloot or Mazo extract in combination with some vegetable oils in the form of pessary on vulvovaginal candidiasis is essential according to its traditional believes.