Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Microbial, and Pharmaceutical Properties of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and Its Genetic Diversity

Rhus coriaria L., commonly known as sumac, is a shrub of the Anacardiaceae family present in various subtropical and temperate regions of the world. Considering the rich array of functional and nutraceutical ingredients, sumac extracts are an underutilized source of health-promoting dietary ingredients. For example, sumac is a spice with remarkable antioxidant activity thanks to the high presence of phenolic compounds. In addition, sumac extracts also possess antimicrobial activity and exhibit antidiabetic and hypoglycemic properties. Based on the scientific records retrieved in reliable citation databases (Scopus and Web of Science), this review comprehensively offers research results on sumac with a focus on the phytochemical profiles, the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the extracts, the pharmaceutical uses, and the genetic diversity. We discuss that the use of sumac as a climate-resilient tree should be promoted to diversify the food basket by leveraging on its multiple health benefits and also to reverse the abandonment of marginal lands under low irrigation.

Automated summary

Sumac, a shrub of the Anacardiaceae family, is an underutilized source of health-promoting dietary ingredients. It possesses remarkable antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, and shows potential as an anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic agent. This review provides comprehensive research results on sumac, highlighting its phytochemical profiles, extract properties, pharmaceutical uses, and genetic diversity. The use of sumac as a climate-resilient tree can diversify the food basket and improve the utilization of marginal lands.