Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Sumac refers to plants in the genus Rhus, commonly Rhus coriaria, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Traditional texts and ethnobotanical records mention the use of sumac for various digestive complaints, including abdominal pain, indigestion, and sometimes colic (a term historically applied to a range of abdominal discomforts in adults). Sumac’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its high content of tannins and flavonoids, were believed to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and relieve spasms or discomfort.

However, there is limited to no modern clinical evidence specifically evaluating sumac’s efficacy for adult colic as defined today (i.e., acute, severe, episodic abdominal pain). The evidence for its use in this context is primarily anecdotal, passed through generations or noted in herbal compendia. A few contemporary studies have explored sumac’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to modulate digestive function, but these do not directly address adult colic. Consequently, while traditional use exists, scientific validation is lacking, and the strength of evidence remains low.

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