Elm-Leaved Sumac

Rhus coriaria, commonly known as sumac, is a plant traditionally used in various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines for its flavor and sometimes in folk medicine. However, there are no well-documented traditional uses of Rhus coriaria in the medical literature. Scientific evidence suggests that sumac supplementation may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health by improving lipid profiles, blood pressure, and insulin resistance, though not all factors were consistently affected. Topical applications of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide from this plant showed significant reductions in ulcer size and healing times compared to some alternatives but did not demonstrate a clear advantage in pain reduction or healing time over the placebo. In liver fibrosis studies, Rhus coriaria aqueous extract demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial properties against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii without causing significant hemolysis. No major safety concerns have been reported for Rhus coraria, but no significant drug interactions have also been recorded in the available literature.

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