Rhus coriaria

Sumac

Rhus coriaria, commonly known as sumac, is a versatile shrub native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. Renowned for its vibrant berries, it serves as both a culinary spice and a potent medicinal herb. Rich in antioxidants, it is traditionally used to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments.

  • Scientific name: Rhus coriaria
  • Family: Anacardiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the order Sapindales and the family Anacardiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its genus, Rhus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Anacardiaceae WCVP
Genus Rhus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Rhus coriaria, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Poland, it is referred to as sumak garbarski, while in Hebrew, it is called אוג הבורסקאים. Russian speakers call it сумαх дубильный, and in Armenian, it is known as աղտոր սովորական. Additionally, in Serbian, it is identified as Grozdasti ruj.
Language Common Name Source
pl sumak garbarski Wikidata
he אוג הבורסקאים Wikidata
ru сумах дубильный Wikidata
hy աղտոր սովորական Wikidata
sr-el Grozdasti ruj Wikidata
sr-ec Гроздасти руј Wikidata
uk сумах дубильний Wikidata
de Gewürzsumach Wikidata
az Aşı sumaq Wikidata
hsb Garbarski sumak Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range of distribution across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted in Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is found within Germany. Its range extends significantly into Southwestern Europe, covering the territory of France. Finally, the distribution continues through the southwestern reaches of Portugal and Spain.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as sumac, possesses various components that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The leaves, often referred to simply as the leaf, are frequently studied for their antioxidant content, while the fruits serve as a primary source of bioactive compounds. Specifically, the fruit epicarp is noted for its distinct texture and chemical profile, which contributes to the overall therapeutic value of the plant. Additionally, the oleo gum resin extracted from the plant is highly valued in traditional applications for its unique medicinal characteristics.
Total parts
8
Scientific sources
10
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 2 ★☆☆☆☆
oleo gum resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit epicarp 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flower 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Rhus coriaria has 18 reported phytochemicals identified across 32 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, amentoflavone, anthocyanins.

Total chemicals
18
Scientific sources
32

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 5 ★★★☆☆
tannins 5 ★★★☆☆
polyphenols 3 ★★☆☆☆
amentoflavone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
anthocyanins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
agathisflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anthocyanin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Rhus coriaria has 12 reported activities identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Analgesic.

Total activities
12
Scientific sources
21

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 5 ★★★☆☆
Antibacterial 4 ★★☆☆☆
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiangiogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardioprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Rhus coriaria has 41 reported medicinal uses identified across 49 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, gastritis, inflammation, obesity, wound healing.

Total uses
41
Scientific sources
49

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 5 ★★★☆☆
gastritis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
obesity 2 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Acinetobacter baumannii 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Apo B 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Blood glucose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
COVID-19 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Enterococcus faecalis 1 ★☆☆☆☆