Evidence supporting the use of: Rhus coriaria
For the body system: Gums
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rhus coriaria, commonly known as sumac, has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, for oral and gum health. Traditional medicine systems have employed sumac berries and extracts for their purported astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Historical records and ethnobotanical surveys indicate that sumac preparations, such as decoctions or powders, have been used as mouthwashes or applied directly to the gums to help with conditions like gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and general oral hygiene.
The rationale for these traditional uses likely stems from the high content of tannins and polyphenols in Rhus coriaria, which are known for their astringent qualities and potential to tighten tissues and reduce minor bleeding. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of sumac against certain oral pathogens has been suggested in folk medicine, supporting its reputation as an oral health remedy.
However, while some recent in vitro studies have demonstrated antibacterial effects of Rhus coriaria extracts against bacteria that can cause gum disease, rigorous clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, the evidence remains primarily traditional, with some preliminary scientific support that has not yet reached a level sufficient to shift the justification from traditional to scientific.
Other ingredients that support Gums
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Aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
apple cider vinegar
Areca
Ascophyllum nodosum
asiaticoside
aucubin
avens
Baccharis dracunculifolia
bai ji
balsam
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
benzoin
berry
betel
betony
bilberry
bioflavonoids
bistort
blackberry
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boswellia
Brazilian peppertree
cajuput
Calendula
Calycophyllum
canaigre
capsicum
cardamom
carvacrol
Casearia sylvestris
catechins
catechu
cayenne pepper
cinquefoil
Cistus
Citrus
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coca
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
Collinsonia
comfrey
commiphora
cranesbill
Curcuma
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cutch
Cyanthillium cinereum
dragon\'s blood
Drynaria
Echinacea
emblicanin
eugenol
European five-finger grass
fiber
flavanones
flavans
flavonoids
flavonols
flavonones
fleabane
fluoride
fluorine
frankincense
fructoborate
Gambir
garlic
Glechoma hederacea
goldenseal
goldenseal
goldthread
gooseberry
Guava
heal-all
Heliopsis
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
hesperidin
honey
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian frankincense
Indian kinotree
Jaboticaba
Kigelia africana
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactoperoxidase
Lady's Mantle
lemon
Leptospermum scoparium
leucoanthocyanidins
licorice root
lime
lingonberry
lodhtree
lysozyme
Mahonia
mallow
Malva sylvestris
mango
manzanita
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Marshmallow
Massularia acuminata
Mastic gum
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Menthol oil
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Mucilage
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Nasturtium
Neem tree
New Jersey Tea
Nimbidin
Oak
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
Orris
Pacific madrone
pagoda tree
Pedra hume
Pellitory
Persimmon
phenolic compounds
Phosphate ascorbate
pine bark
Plantago
plantain
polyphenols
Potentilla
prickly ash
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
procyanidol
Propolis
Pterocarpus marsupium
Pterospermum
punicalagins
Pycnogenol
raspberry
Rhus coraria
Rhus coriaria
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
rose hips
Rubus
sage
Sangre de Grado
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Sapindus mukorossi
Self-Heal
shepherd's purse
Silverweed
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Smoketree
Spanish Needle
Spilanthes
Streptococcus oralis
Streptococcus salivarius
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Terminalia
Thymol
Toothache Plant
Tridax
Triphala
turmeric
Ulmus
Vestitol
vitamin C
vitamin K
Water Pepper
White oak
White Tea
white willow
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow root
Yerba Mansa
zanthoxylum
Zinc
Other body systems supported by Rhus coriaria
ArteriesBlood
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Liver
Respiratory System
Skin
Stomach
