--- title: "Sumac: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "A sour, red spice. Small clinical studies reported modest improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sumac/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) # Sumac Rhus coriaria B Limited clinical evidence A sour, red spice. Small clinical studies reported modest improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **Generally safe** Breastfeeding **Generally safe** Children **Generally safe** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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. **Parts used:** fruits **Key constituents:** Gallotannins (Gallic Acid), Organic Acids (Malic Acid), Anthocyanins 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 Small clinical studies suggest it may help modestly improve blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes. \[1\] - T Traditional use 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702029332/trease-and-evans-pharmacognosy) Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009 ### Cite This Page Sumac (Rhus coriaria). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sumac/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Cumin](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cumin/) B Limited clinical evidence Cuminum cyminum An essential spice for meatballs and pulses. Small clinical studies saw mild benefit for bloating, IBS symptoms and weight control. 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[Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Bay Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/bay-leaf/) T Traditional use Laurus nobilis A Mediterranean herb that flavours food. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; effects on blood sugar come only from small early studies. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Cajun Seasoning](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cajun-seasoning/) T Traditional use Capsicum annuum, Piper nigrum, Allium sativum A Louisiana-style blend of cayenne, black pepper, garlic, onion and thyme. It flavours food; any health effect comes from its spices. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Isot Pepper](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/isot-pepper/) T Traditional use Capsicum annuum A hot pepper from Urfa, darkened by alternately sun-drying and "sweating" it. Contains capsaicin; its effects on metabolism and appetite are small. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Spice) [Spice →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Ginger](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginger/) A Strong clinical evidence Zingiber officinale Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Red Pepper Flakes](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/red-pepper-flakes/) A Strong clinical evidence Capsicum annuum Made by drying and crushing red chillies. Its capsaicin is used in effective nerve-pain creams; its effect in food is small. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Saffron](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/saffron/) B Limited clinical evidence Crocus sativus The world's most expensive spice. Meta-analyses found 30 mg of saffron extract daily helped mild-to-moderate depression symptoms. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Black Pepper](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-pepper/) B Limited clinical evidence Piper nigrum The world's most widely used spice. Its piperine markedly increases the absorption of some compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.