Fruit

Sumac Leaf

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Sumac leaf (Rhus coriaria) contains potent bioactive compounds including gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and myricetin that deliver antioxidant activity of 725.75 mg Trolox equivalent per gram. These polyphenols work through free radical scavenging, NF-κB pathway inhibition, and COX-2 suppression to provide anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryFruit

GroupFruit

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordsumac leaf benefits

Sumac Leaf — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Exhibits potent antioxidant

properties due to high polyphenol and tannin content, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

Supports cardiovascular health

by reducing oxidative stress and promoting healthy circulation.

May aid in

blood sugar regulation by influencing glucose metabolism and enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Strengthens immune support

through its rich Vitamin C content and immunomodulatory compounds.

Promotes digestive health,

traditionally used to alleviate discomfort and support gut function.

Contributes to respiratory

relief, as per traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean medicinal applications.

Supports detoxification pathways,

aiding the body's natural cleansing mechanisms.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is a genus of flowering plants native to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of North America. It thrives in arid, mountainous regions with well-drained soils. The leaves and berries are highly valued for their tart flavor and potent concentration of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds, making them a significant functional ingredient.

“Sumac has been traditionally revered in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Native American herbal medicine for its digestive, circulatory, and immune-supportive properties. It was used in cooling formulations for inflammation and cleansing, reflecting its deep integration into ancient healing systems.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Numerous in vitro, animal, and some human studies support Sumac's potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar-regulating properties. Research highlights its benefits for cardiovascular health, digestive wellness, and immune support, validating many of its traditional applications.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Vitamins: Vitamin C - Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium - Phytochemicals: Polyphenols, Tannins, Flavonoids (Quercetin, Myricetin), Organic Acids, Plant Sterols

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Sumac leaf polyphenols including gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and myricetin scavenge free radicals through ABTS and FRAP pathways while delivering 725.75 mg Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity per gram. These compounds suppress inflammatory mediators by inhibiting NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, and iNOS expression while enhancing anti-inflammatory IL-10 production. Cardioprotective effects occur through eNOS activation and reduced vascular smooth muscle cell migration by 62%.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Current evidence for sumac leaf comes primarily from in vitro and preclinical animal studies rather than human clinical trials. Laboratory studies demonstrate significant antioxidant activity with ABTS radical scavenging at 725.75 mg Trolox equivalent per gram and FRAP values of 41.27 mg TE/g in leaf extracts. Animal studies show cardioprotective effects including 62% reduction in vascular smooth muscle cell migration from tannin compounds. While preclinical data supports traditional uses for inflammation and cardiovascular health, human clinical trials specifically testing sumac leaf extracts are needed to validate therapeutic applications.

Also Known As

Rhus coriaria L.Syrian sumacRed sumacTanning sumacMediterranean sumac

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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