Sumac
Rhus coriaria
B Limited clinical evidenceA sour, red spice. Small clinical studies reported modest improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
Sumac is the dried, ground fruit of the Rhus coriaria shrub; malic acid makes it sour. It replaces lemon on kebabs, salads and kibbeh. It is rich in tannins and phenolics. Small clinical studies reported that 3 g of sumac powder daily modestly improved fasting blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes; evidence is limited.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Small clinical studies suggest it may help modestly improve blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for indigestion and diarrhoea because of its astringency. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Sprinkle on salads, onions, kebabs and rice, or soak to make a sour liquid. Studies used 3 g daily.
Amount: 1–3 g daily
[1]Safety & interactions
- Amounts used as a spice in food are generally safe; this does not apply to concentrated extracts and supplements.
- Do not confuse with poisonous white-berried sumacs (Toxicodendron); use only culinary sumac.
- Cross-allergy is possible in people allergic to cashew or pistachio.
- Cheap products may contain added salt and dye; check the label.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes medicines | May further lower blood sugar. [1] | Minor |
Side effects
- Rarely allergy
- Acid stomach
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Before lemons were common in Anatolia, sumac was used to make dishes sour. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does sumac lower blood sugar?
Small studies saw a modest fall; it does not replace diabetes treatment.
Is sumac poisonous?
Culinary sumac (Rhus coriaria) is safe; American poison sumac is a different plant.
How is sumac water made?
Soak whole sumac in water and strain; use it instead of lemon in salads.
Sources
- Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009
Cite This Page
Sumac (Rhus coriaria). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sumac/
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