Sumac
Other Names: Rhus coriaria, Sumach, Elm-leafed Sumac; gewürzsumach (German); kankrasing (Hindi); shumac; Sicilian sumac; somagh (Farsi); sommacco (Italian); soumaki (Greek), Qua lo ga, Somak (Turkish); sumaq (Hebrew); summaq (Arabic); zumaque (Spanish). Species including the Fragrant Sumac (R. aromatica), the Littleleaf Sumac (R. microphylla), the Skunkbush Sumac (R. trilobata), the Smooth Sumac and the Staghorn Sumac
Sumac is a flowering plant of genus Rhus. Sumac plant typically belongs to sub tropical and temperate region. It grows in Mediterranian countries, north Africa, South Europe, Afghanistan and Iran. Though it is closely related to poison ivy, the variety of sumac that we eat is non poisonous. The word sumac is derived from Old French word sumac meaning “red.” The fruits of Sumac herb form dense clusters of reddish drupes, which are also called as sumac bobs.
Special Precautions of Sumac
- Some species, such as Poison ivy (see : Rhus-tox Rhus toxicodendron, syn.Toxicodendron radicans), Poison oak (Rhus diversiloba, syn. Toxicodendron diversilobum) and Poison sumac (Rhus vernix, syn. Toxicodendron vernix), have the allergen urushiol and can cause severe allergic reactions. Poison sumac may be identified by its white drupes.
- While studies on Rhus coriaria’s antioxidant, antifungal and antimicrobial potential appear promising, most of these have been conducted in laboratories. That means benefits to humans as well as possible side effects and interactions with medicines are not well studied.
- Rhus coriaria is part of the cashew family, so avoid it if you are allergic to tree nuts.
- Ornamental varieties of the Rhus genus are highly toxic and cause a poison ivy-type rash, so never touch or consume them.
Benefits and uses of Sumac are
Sumac has been used as cure of various ailments in medieval medicine. Potential finding of sumac drupes in an 11th-century shipwreck off the coast of Rhodes, suggests its use as medicine, culinary spice or as a dye. The native American Indians used sumac in their tobacco, and some made sumac-ade or Indian lemonade, called ‘rhus’-juice, another name for the spice. It was once found in an 11th-century shipwreck off the coast of Rhodes. It is full of vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and important trace minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All of the health benefits of Sumac are still being researched.
- Diuretic : Sumac berries have diuretic properties and are used in bowel complaints. In Middle East, sour Sumac juice is used to relieve stomach upset.
- Anti inflammatory properties : Sumac helps in reducing fever. Sumac works great for arthritis, skin inflammation, and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, colds, and flues.
- Anti microbial : Sumac has anti microbial properties. A study published in International Journal of Food Microbiology suggested sumac’s antimicrobial activity that can combat Salmonella bacteria. Water mixed with sumac extract can be used to treating vegetables and fruits and get rid of bacteria on them. Anti microbial properties of sumac were attributed to presence of methyl gallic acid, gallic acid and other compounds in a study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Antifungal Action : A research published in German bioscience journal, Zeitschrift Fuer Naturforschung, showed that seeds of sumac are effective against Aspergillus fungus which causes lung infection and infection to other organs.
- Anti oxidant properties : Sumac is full of Vitamin C and Omega 3 fatty acids thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and strokes. Sumac helps get rid of free radicals in body, mainly gastro intestinal tract. Results of lab studies on strong antioxidant properties of Rhus coriaria has been published in Journal, Phytotherapy Research and Journal of Medicinal Food.
- Hypoglycemic properties : Research further suggests that sumac is effective in case hyperglycemia, diabetes and obesity. Some research is also carried on its anti tumour properties.
- You can make an ointment from its crushed leaves and use it to relieve a poison ivy rash.
- Cancer : Some research is also carried on its anti tumour properties. In one study, edible staghorn sumac fruit extract, used along with chemotherapeutic drug, treated breast cancer cells while no effects on other healthy cells. Thus Sumac extract was considered promising chemotherapeutic drug conjugate in cancer chemotherapy. Sumac is also rich in gallic acid, which research suggests has anti-fungal, anti-viral, and cancer-fighting properties, and quercetin, which also seems to an anti-inflammatory agent effective against cancer. A 2009 study also suggested that sumac can protect DNA from errors during cell reproduction in animals, though research on human cells was inconclusive.
