Rhus coriaria
Rhus coriaria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Rhus coriaria is a versatile plant species known for containing bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, 2,4-DECADIENAL, and CA. Various plant parts, including the fruit, leaf, and flower, can be utilized to create preparations like aqueous extracts, HRCE, HRCLE, and hydroalcoholic leaves extract. These extracts exhibit significant biological activities, acting as potent antioxidants, cytotoxic agents, 11B-HSD inhibitors, and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. Research into this plant highlights its therapeutic potential in managing conditions related to blood glucose, abdominal fat, and angiogenesis. Consequently, Rhus coriaria shows great promise in the development of antidiabetic treatments and other medicinal applications.
- Synonyms
- Toxicodendron Coriaria · Rhus Coriaria Var. Zebaria · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Rhus coriaria is a versatile plant known by many diverse names across different regions and languages. It is frequently identified by the common names Elm-Leaved Sumac and Gerber-Sumach. Depending on the local dialect, you may also encounter it referred to as Tanner's Sumach in English or Zumaquero in Spanish. Its cultural significance is further reflected in names like Sicilian sumac and the Turkish Sicilya Sumağı. This wide variety of nomenclature highlights the plant's widespread presence and global recognition.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Rhus coriaria is a complex species that is frequently identified through a variety of botanical synonyms. Taxonomists have categorized different forms of the plant under names such as Rhus coriaria f. longifolia and Rhus coriaria var. longifolia. Additionally, the species is linked to specific varieties like Rhus coriaria var. zebaria. Other recognized synonyms within its botanical history include Rhus heterophylla and Rhus ornifolia. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for accurate plant identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Rhus coriaria is a fascinating member of the kingdom Plantae that plays a unique role in its ecosystem. This species belongs to the genus Rhus and is classified within the family Anacardiaceae. Taxonomically, it is organized under the order Sapindales to reflect its evolutionary lineage. Furthermore, the plant is categorized under the class Equisetopsida, highlighting its fundamental biological structure. Understanding these scientific relationships provides essential insight into the botanical identity of this plant.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Rhus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Rhus coriaria is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the vast landscapes of Africa. Within the African continent, its presence is notably concentrated in Northern regions such as Algeria and Morocco. The plant also extends its reach across the Macaronesian islands, establishing itself in diverse Atlantic habitats. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the unique environments of the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. This widespread range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various Mediterranean and subtropical climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Rhus coriaria is a versatile shrub that serves as a common feature in various landscapes. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 5 meters, though it can remain as short as 1 meter depending on its environment. Such variability in size allows it to adapt effectively to different growing conditions.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Rhus coriaria, commonly known as sumac, is a medicinal plant that exhibits a wide range of significant pharmacological activities. Research indicates that its leaves and fruit epicarp possess strong antioxidant properties, which may help combat oxidative stress associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the plant has demonstrated effective antiparasitic potential, specifically showing the ability to inhibit the growth of Leishmania major. Its antiprotozoal effects are also notable, as extracts have been shown to restrict the multiplication of various piroplasm parasites. Finally, studies have highlighted the cytotoxic nature of its resin, suggesting its potential as a natural candidate for antiangiogenic and anticancer research.
Compounds
Rhus coriaria is a versatile medicinal plant and spice that is characterized by a diverse profile of bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analyses reveal that the plant contains significant amounts of flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins, which contribute to its antioxidant and antinociceptive properties. Its complex chemical makeup also includes terpenoids, which play a role in its various pharmacological activities. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has identified cembrene as a key constituent within its essential oils. These combined chemical relationships support the plant's potential use in managing inflammatory conditions and neurodegenerative disorders.
Conditions
Rhus coriaria demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by effectively lowering ALP levels in diabetic models. The plant also assists in weight management, as evidenced by its ability to reduce abdominal fat in broiler chickens. Regarding neurological health, Rhus coriaria serves as a candidate for treating Alzheimer's disease through acetylcholinesterase inhibition and the regulation of amyloid-β aggregation. Furthermore, research indicates that it positively influences lipid profiles by increasing Apo A-I concentrations. Finally, the plant helps manage cardiovascular risk factors by decreasing levels of Apo B.
Preparations
Rhus coriaria is prepared as HRCLE, which stands for the hydroalcoholic leaves extract used in studies regarding its analgesic effects. This plant is also prepared as HRCE, a term used in the evaluation of its antinociceptive activity in rat models. Research demonstrates that Rhus coriaria is prepared as aqueous extracts to investigate its antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antilipase properties. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as Persumac, a Persian medicine remedy used in clinical trials to control chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. These various preparations, including the hydroalcoholic leaves extract, highlight the plant's diverse medicinal applications.
Parts used
Rhus coriaria, commonly known as Sumac, is a versatile medicinal plant that possesses significant biological properties across its various anatomical structures. Research indicates that the fruit of the plant exhibits notable allelopathic inhibitory effects and serves as a potent source of antioxidants. Similarly, the leaves are highly valued for their antioxidant capacity and their ability to provide analgesic relief through hydroalcoholic extracts. The chemical profile of the plant also varies by organ, with the flower producing essential oils characterized by key compounds like α-pinene and tridecanoic acid. Ultimately, the distinct volatile emissions found in the leaves, fruits, and flowers highlight the complex chemical diversity inherent to this species.