Physiochemical properties and medicinal, nutritional and industrial applications of Lebanese Sumac (Syrian Sumac - Rhus coriaria): A review

Abstract

Background: Syrian Sumac, scientifically defined as Rhus coriaria, is a commonly used spice powder in the Middle East. Rhus coriaria has been shown to contain numerous compounds that have a substantial role in the food industry and in homeopathic therapy. From the retardation of oxidative processes to the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections and many more, these compounds are of great importance in improving human health and economy. Scope and approach: Several studies have been done to explore the benefits and potential uses of Rhus coriaria. In the following review, the relevant phytochemical and biological research available on Rhus coriaria have been explored. A comprehensive account of its healing activity is shown. Also presented are its phytochemical components which have medicinal, nutritional and industrial significance. Key findings and conclusions: Sumac has been studied for its use as an antibacterial, antioxidant, colorant, food and animal feed supplement, steel inhibitor in sea water and much more. Its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties make it a great and versatile tool to be used in the food industry, where it can be used as an efficient food preservative and natural, harmless food additive.

Rhus coriaria (Sumac): A Magical Spice

“…Rhus coriaria have superficial pervasion roots that can decrease ground drift and can be implanted on poorly eroded soils. Sumac commercially grown type is Rhus coriaria in the Mediterranean and Middle East, had been cultivated for several centuries to produce a material of high quality for tanning, also wildly in the territories from the Canary Island to the Mediterranean beaches to Afghanistan as it is municipal to the Mediterranean and the Southeastern territory of Turkey [6,8]…”

“…The dried clusters are usually ground to produce a tangy purple spice. The seeds are little hard, brown colored with diameters (length 0.3-0.5 cm and width 0.2-o.3 cm) and good odor spicy [5,6,9].…”

“…In Iraq, traditionally used with famous Iraqi meat dishes like Kabab, grilled meat as well as over salads served with them [4]. The Rhus coriaria extracts researched properties up-to-date revealed a promising potential furnishing renewable bio-products with desirable bioactivities like antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antimalarial, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antimigratory, anti-ischemic, hypoglycemic and hypolipidimic affections [6].…”

Rhus coriaria L. Fruit Extract Prevents UV-A-Induced Genotoxicity and Oxidative Injury in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells

“…According to the literature, Sumac fruit possess a multitude of biological activities including beneficial effects in vivo in streptozotocin-induced diabetes [8], lipid-lowering effects in hypercholesterolemic rats [9], cardioprotective effects in hyperlipidemic patients [10,11], prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis [12], neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of ischemic optic neuropathy [13,14] and an in vitro model of retinal degeneration [15]. Moreover, Chakraborty A. and colleagues showed in vivo scavenging effects of sumac and inhibition of DNA bases oxidation, also following γ-irradiation [16].…”

“…Moreover, Chakraborty A. and colleagues showed in vivo scavenging effects of sumac and inhibition of DNA bases oxidation, also following γ-irradiation [16]. Rhus coriaria L. extracts were also used on diabetic patients, where notably decreased serum glucose levels [11]. Recently, our group demonstrated the beneficial effect of Rhus coriaria L. fruit extracts as preventive agents in the treatment of keratinocytes inflammation through their inhibition of skin pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-8, MMP-9, ICAM-1, and VEGF [6].…”