| Chinese sumac | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Rhus |
| Species: | R. chinensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Rhus chinensis Mill. |
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| Synonyms | |
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Rhus javanica auct. |
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Rhus chinensis, the Chinese sumac or nutgall tree, is a plant species in the genus Rhus.
The species is used to produce galls, called Chinese gall, Galla Chinensis or Wu Bei Zi (五倍子) in Chinese, which are rich in gallotannins,[1][2] a type of hydrolysable tannins. The infestation by Chinese sumac aphids (Melaphis chinensis Bell) can lead to a gall which is valued as a commercial product. Chinese galls are used in Chinese medicine to treat coughs, diarrhea, night sweats, dysentry and to stop intestinal and uterine bleeding.[3]
Rhus chinensis compounds possess strong antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities.[4] The gall of Rhus chinensis, Galla chinensi, has long been considered to possess many medicinal properties.[5]
Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid),isolated from Rhus chinensis, induces apoptosis in human monocytic lymphoma cell line U937 and may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent against lymphoma.[6] The gall of Rhus chinensis inhibits alpha-glucosidase activity.[7]
In Australia "Rhus" is the common name for Toxicodendron succedaneum a prohibited, noxious weed in some States.[8]
Plants for a Future
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