Chinese gall

Rhus chinensis

Rhus chinensis, commonly known as Chinese sumac or Chinese gallnut tree, is a traditional plant primarily associated with East Asian medicine. Traditionally, its uses have not been extensively documented; however, it has been employed in various practices within the region for potential medicinal benefits. Scientific evidence indicates that Rhus chinensis honey exhibits moderate antioxidant and antibacterial activity, but these findings are based on limited studies and may vary among different samples. The plant's genome has shown variations in amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents across different regions, which could be influenced by environmental factors. Additionally, mixed-species afforestation involving Rhus chinensis has been observed to enhance soil carbon and nitrogen storage more effectively than monocultures. Notably, there are no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions associated with this plant, though further research is warranted to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study found variations in amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents among different regions of Guizhou Province's Chinese gallnut honey, with some correlations to environmental factors. D PMID
  • The study identified various types of retrocopies in the Schlechtendalia chinensis genome, including putative retrogenes and chimeric genes, which contribute to genetic diversity. D PMID
  • Mixed-species afforestation increased soil carbon and nitrogen storages more than monocultures, primarily due to higher proportions of larger aggregates. D PMID
  • Rhus chinensis showed superior antibacterial efficacy among tested Chinese herbal medicines against Staphylococcus caprae isolated from dairy goats with mastitis. D PMID
  • Honeybee survival rate increased and ROS levels decreased after treatment with tannic acid during cold stress. D PMID
  • Rhus chinensis honey showed moderate antioxidant and antibacterial activity compared to other honeys evaluated in the study. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Chinese gall?

Chinese gall (Rhus chinensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese gall?

6 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese gall; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found variations in amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents among different regions of Guizhou Province's Chinese gallnut honey, with some correlations to environmental factors.

How strong is the evidence for Chinese gall?

The strongest finding for Chinese gall carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Chinese gall safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese gall in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Chinese gall interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese gall in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Chinese gall?

Chinese gall is also known as: Сумах китайский, Sumac de Chine.

Is Chinese gall a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Tannic Acid Enhances Cold Resistance in Apis mellifera via Antioxidant Defense and Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Activation. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of Staphylococcus caprae from dairy goats with mastitis to antibiotics and Chinese herbal medicines. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activity and Volatile Components of Three Distinctive Apis cerana Honeys. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Gene retroposition and functional diversification of retrocopies in the Rhus gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Analysis of Amino Acid, Vitamin, and Mineral Content in Chinese Gallnut (Rhus chinensis Mill.) Honey from Guizhou Province. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Mixed-species afforestation stimulates the flow and turnover of carbon and nitrogen within soil aggregates in a degraded karst ecosystem. literature abstract metadata