Three complete chloroplast genomes from two north American Rhus species and phylogenomics of Anacardiaceae

BACKGROUND

The suamc genus Rhus (sensu stricto) includes two subgenera, Lobadium (ca. 25 spp.) and Rhus (ca. 10 spp.). Their members, R. glabra and R. typhina (Rosanae: Sapindales: Anacardiaceae), are two economic important species. Chloroplast genome information is of great significance for the study of plant phylogeny and taxonomy.

RESULTS

The three complete chloroplast genomes from two Rhus glabra and one R. typhina accessions were obtained with a total of each about 159k bp in length including a large single-copy region (LSC, about 88k bp), a small single-copy regions (SSC, about 19k bp) and a pair of inverted repeats regions (IRa/IRb, about 26k bp), to form a canonical quadripartite structure. Each genome contained 88 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes and two pseudogenes. The overall GC content of the three genomes all were same (37.8%), and RSCU values showed that they all had the same codon prefers, i.e., to use codon ended with A/U (93%) except termination codon. Three variable hotspots, i.e., ycf4-cemA, ndhF-rpl32-trnL and ccsA-ndhD, and a total of 152-156 simple sequence repeats (SSR) were identified. The nonsynonymous (Ka)/synonymous (Ks) ratio was calculated, and cemA and ycf2 genes are important indicators of gene evolution. The phylogenetic analyses of the family Anacardiaceae showed that the eight genera were grouped into three clusters, and supported the monophyly of the subfamilies and all the genera. The accessions of five Rhus species formed four clusters, while, one individual of R. typhina grouped with the R. glabra accessions instead of clustering into the two other individuals of R. typhina in the subgenus Rhus, which showed a paraphyletic relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparing the complete chloroplast genomes of the Rhus species, it was found that most SSRs were A/T rich and located in the intergenic spacer, and the nucleotide divergence exhibited higher levels in the non-coding region than in the coding region. The Ka/Ks ratio of cemA gene was > 1 for species collected in America, while it was < 1 for other species in China, which dedicated that the Rhus species from North America and East Asia have different evolutionary pressure. The phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genome clarified the Rhus placement and relationship. The results obtained in this study are expected to provide valuable genetic resources to perform species identification, molecular breeding, and intraspecific diversity of the Rhus species.

Complete Mitochondrial Genome and Phylogenetic Position of Nurudea zhengii Ren (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae)

Nurudea zhengii Ren was identified by aphid morphological characteristics as well as the gall shape and host plant species, and placed in the tribe Fordini (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Eriosomatinae). Here, its whole genome was firstly sequenced by a genome-skimming method and its mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) was assembled to examine its genetic variation and phylogenetic position. The complete mitogenome of Nurudea zhengii is 15,392 bp in length, and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs and one D-loop region. The gene order follows the mitogenomes of the other Rhus gall aphids, and similarly has an AT bias with the content of 83.9%. The majority strand is A-skewed and C-skewed, and shows opposite skewness for G-skewed in the minority strands. The ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rates of protein-coding genes are lower than one except for ATP8, which indicated that ATP8 was undergoing positive selection. Phylogenetic analysis among the Rhus gall aphids based on 13 protein-coding genes and two rRNA genes showed that N. zhengii was sister to N. shiraii, and then clustered with N. yanoniella as a group with high support value. The two species, N. shiraii and N. yanoniella, share the same host plant Rhus chinensis, while the host of N. zhengii is R. hypoleuca. However, the phylogenetic relationship indicated that the taxa sharing the same host plant were not absolutely clustered as the closest taxa at least at species level.

zebaria) populations in Iraq

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is one of the medicinal plants of Anacardiaceae family and widely used as a spice in Iran and Arab countries. Rhus coriaria var. zebaria is a small tree or large shrub, wildly growing in Iraq and described as a new variety with special characteristics. These increase the importance of studying sumac in these areas. Here, the phytochemical variations and the antibacterial activity of 50 accessions of this variety from five different climatic conditions was evaluated in order to identify the best accession to use and the best area for its cultivation. This is the most comprehensive study on this plant. Essential oil compounds were identified using GC-MS method and according to the results, Z, E-2,13-octadecadien, caryophyllene oxide, 2,4-decadienal, E-caryophyllene and nonanoic acid were among the main compounds. Also, the variety is a rich source of minerals including K, Ca, Mg, Na, P, and N. Sumac fruit extract from Akre Xerds had the highest anthocyanin and the lowest amount was from Kavilca region. The radical scavenging effect of extract from Dostic area in the concentration of 400 µg/mL is closer to the effect of ascorbic acid. The largest inhibition was found in the sumac extracted oil of Xasto Zhere area against S. aureus in compared with penicillin and amoxicillin and enrofloxacin antibiotics.

The effect of Sumac on cardiometabolic parameters in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The current evidence on the effect of Sumac consumption on cardiovascular parameters has produced controversial findings.

Methods

We systematically searched several databases, including PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science, to find eligible studies until January 2023. Meta-analysis to calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95 %CI, Sub-group meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted throughout the study.

Results

16 randomized controlled trials comprising a total number of 1,225 participants were included. The results of meta-analysis revealed that Sumac significantly affected low-density lipoprotein (WMD: -8.66 mg/dL; 95% CI: -14.2, -3.12), high-density lipoprotein (WMD: 3.15 mg/dL; 1.99,4.31), triglycerides (WMD: -11.96 mg/dL; -19.44, -4.48), fasting blood glucose (WMD: -4.15 mg/dL; -7.31, -0.98), insulin (WMD: -1.72; -3.18, -0.25), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; WMD: -0.61; -1.22, -0.01), and anthropometric indices (p < 0.05). Moreover, the results significantly reduced total cholesterol when the intervention duration was ≥12 weeks (WMD: -8.58 mg/dL; -16.8, -0.37).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that Sumac is potentially an effective complementary intervention to improve cardiometabolic parameters. Thus, patients could utilize Sumac as part of their diet to improve their overall cardiometabolic status.

Sumac-rose water mouthwash versus benzydamine to prevent radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancers: a phase II randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced oral mucositis (OM) largely impairs the quality of life (QoL) of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Few choices with limited efficacy are available to prevent this adverse effect. This randomized trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of benzydamine (standard) and a new combination (sumac and rose water) in preventing radiation-induced OM.

METHODS

This was a phase II, triple-blind, active-controlled, randomized trial. The primary endpoint was OM, and the secondary endpoints were oral pain and QoL. Besides, the possible variables defining the outcomes were analyzed using the chi-squared test (univariate analysis) and binomial regression model (multivariate analysis).

RESULTS

Sumac-rose group had fewer high-grade OM (33% vs. 63%, odds ratio [OR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI 95%] 0.08-0.93, P = 0.03) and better QoL (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed these findings. Sumac-rose rinsing could also postpone the start of oral pain (hazard ratio [HR] 0.02, CI 95% 0.001-0.32, P = 0.001) and high-grade OM (HR 0.28, P = 0.03) compared with benzydamine.

CONCLUSIONS

The sumac-rose group had a lower OM rate and grade and higher QoL than the benzydamine group. In addition, the experimental group developed high-grade OM and oral pain later during the radiotherapy course. Further studies need to be conducted to assess the role of sumac and rose water in reducing grade 3-4 mucositis in patients who undergo chemoradiation for head and neck cancer.

Food globalization in southern Central Asia: archaeobotany at Bukhara between antiquity and the Middle Ages

The Silk Road is a modern name for a globalization phenomenon that marked an extensive network of communication and exchange in the ancient world; by the turn of the second millennium AD, commercial trade linked Asia and supported the development of a string of large urban centers across Central Asia. One of the main arteries of the medieval trade routes followed the middle and lower Zarafshan River and was connected by mercantile cities, such as Samarkand and Bukhara. Bukhara developed into a flourishing urban center between the fourth and sixth centuries AD, served as the capital of the Samanid court between AD 893 and 999, and remained prosperous into the Qarakhanid period (AD 999-1220), until the Mongol invasion in AD 1220. We present the first archaeobotanical study from this ancient center of education, craft production, artistic development, and commerce. Radiocarbon dates and an archaeological chronology that has been developed for the site show that our samples cover a range between the third and eleventh centuries AD. These samples from Bukhara represent the richest systematically collected archaeobotanical assemblage thus far recovered in Central Asia. The assemblage includes spices and both annual and perennial crops, which allowed Sogdians and Samanids to feed large cities in river oases surrounded by desert and arid steppe and supported a far-reaching commercial market in the first millennium AD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-023-01827-z.

Effects of sumac supplementation on metabolic markers in adults with metabolic syndrome: a triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the prior evidence of the impacts of sumac on glycemic indices, lipid profile and visceral fat, there is a lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of sumac in cases with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of sumac supplementation on MetS markers among adults with this syndrome.

METHODS

In this triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial 47 adults with MetS were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg sumac or placebo (lactose) capsule, twice a day. Each phase took 6 weeks and there was a 2-week washout between phases. All clinical evaluations and laboratory tests were conducted before and after each phase.

RESULTS

At the baseline of the study, mean (± SD) age, weight, and waist circumference of participants were respectively 58.7 (± 5.8) yr, 79.9 (± 14.3) kg, and 107.6 (± 10.8) cm. Intention to treat analysis (ITT) analyses revealed that sumac supplementation decreased systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg (128.8 ± 21.4 at the baseline vs. 123.2 ± 17.6 after 6 weeks intervention, P = 0.001). The comparison of changes in two trial arms showed that sumac supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (sumac group -5.59 ± 10.6 vs. control group 0.76 ± 10.5, P = 0.004), but did not change anthropometric indices or diastolic blood pressure. Similar results were also found in the per-protocol analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This cross-over trial revealed that sumac supplementation could reduce systolic blood pressure in men and women with MetS. Daily intake of 1000 mg sumac, as an adjuvant therapy, may be beneficial in management of MetS in adults.

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) powder supplementation has beneficial effects on appetite in overweight/obese women with depression: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Appetite disturbance is a common problem in obesity and depression. The beneficial effects of polyphenols in promoting satiety have been shown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sumac supplementation along with calorie restricted diet (CRD) on appetite in overweight and obese women with depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this trial, 60 overweight and obese women with depression were randomly assigned to receive a CRD plus 3 g/day of either sumac or placebo for 12 weeks. The appetite score, serum levels of leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), insulin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.

RESULTS

Sumac supplementation significantly reduced the appetite score (p = 0.02), serum levels of leptin (p = 0.03), NPY (p = 0.01), insulin (p = 0.03), FBS (p = 0.03), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.02) compared to the placebo group. QUICKI increased significantly in the sumac group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Sumac along with a CRD may have some beneficial effects on appetite through possible modulatory effects on leptin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and NPY levels in overweight and obese women with depression.

Relative quantification of phenolic compounds in exocarp-mesocarp and endocarp of sumac (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) combined with transcriptome analysis provides insights into glycosylation of flavonoids and biflavonoid biosynthesis

The pericarp of fruit can be differentiated into endocarp, mesocarp, and exocarp. To explore the differences in gene expression and metabolites in different tissues of the pericarp, the fruits of sumac (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) were separated into endocarp and mesocarp-exocarp. The metabolites and transcriptome of exocarp-mesocarp and endocarp of Toxicodendron vernicifluum were analyzed by HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and RNA sequencing, respectively. A total of 52 phenolic compounds were identified, including 3 phenylpropane derivatives, 10 urushiol compounds and 39 flavonoids. The exocarp-mesocarp contained more urushiol compounds and flavonoid glycosides while the endocarp contained more biflavonoids, such as rhusflavone and dihydromorelloflavone. The characteristic component of endocarp was rhusflavone and the characteristic component of exocarp-mesocarp was urushiol (triene). Most of the genes involved in flavonoid synthesis pathway were upregulated in endocarp compared with exocarp-mesocarp and positively correlated with the content of flavonoids. The candidate genes related to the synthesis of components of flavonoid glycosides and biflavonoids were screened. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses provide new insights into the synthesis and distribution of flavonoid glycosides and biflavonoids in the fruits of Toxicodendron vernicifluum.

Rhus coriaria extracts inhibit quorum sensing-related virulence and biofilm production in drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from burn wounds

OBJECTIVES

Numerous studies have confirmed sumac's ability to inhibit pathogens and even eradicate chronic drug-resistant infections. Current research was conducted to demonstrate the action of various sumac extracts at sub-inhibitory concentrations in modulating pathogen-related characteristics instead of killing them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The influence of sumac extracts on the quorum sensing dependent virulence of multidrug-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from burn wounds was considered by detecting the effect on biofilm development, various virulence factors, and expression of bacterial exotoxin A and quorum sensing related genes.

RESULTS

Experiments to characterize and measure sumac extract's impact on the P. aeruginosa growth, biofilm, exoproteases, pyocyanin, motility, and the quorum sensing networks revealed that all studied characteristics were reduced by concentrations below inhibition without affecting bacterial growth. Furthermore, the expression of exotoxin A, rhl, and las glucons was declined or even inhibited by lower levels of sumac fruit fractions.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that sumac fights infections either by its inhibitory effect on the bacterial cells or by reducing bacterial signaling and virulence by disruption of the bacterial signal system.

pylori

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is a spice and medicinal herb traditionally used in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Since we previously demonstrated Sumac biological activity in a model of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced skin inflammation, the present work is aimed at further demonstrating a potential role in inflammatory disorders, focusing on gastritis. For this purpose, different polar extracts (water-W, ethanol-water-EW, ethanol-E, ethanol macerated-Em, acetone-Ac, ethylacetate-EtA) were investigated in gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) challenged by TNF-α or H. pylori infection. The ethanolic extracts (E, EW, Em) showed the major phenolic contents, correlating with lower half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) on the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8, <15 μg/mL) and interleukin-6 (IL-6, <20 μg/mL) induced by TNF-α. Similarly, they inhibited IL-8 release (IC50s < 70 μg/mL) during Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and exhibited a direct antibacterial activity at comparable concentrations (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 100 μg/mL). The phenolic content and the bioactivity of EW were maintained after simulated gastric digestion and were associated with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) impairment, considered the main putative anti-inflammatory mechanism. On the contrary, an anti-urease activity was excluded. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the potential role of Sumac as a nutraceutical useful in H. pylori-related gastritis.

Natural diversity in fatty acids profiles and antioxidant properties of sumac fruits (Rhus coriaria L.): Selection of preferable populations for food industries

The current study screened the oil content, fatty acids profile, and antioxidant properties of twelve Iranian sumac fruit accessions. The oil contents were variable among the investigated populations (ranging from 5.15 to 16.70%). Oleic acid (32.3-47.41%), palmitic acid (18.90-36.29%), and linoleic acid (10.31-35.39%) were the predominant fatty acids in the oil samples. According to principal component and cluster analysis, sumac germplasms were categorized into three groups: i.e., group I (five populations rich in linoleic acid), group II (four populations rich in oleic acid), group III (three populations rich in palmitic acid). The highest fruits weight, oil percentage, and linoleic acid content was obtained from Arasbaran population. Arasbaran population possessed the highest ∑PUSFA (i.e, 34.53%) and ∑UNSFA: ∑SFA ratio. Meanwhile, Paveh population possessed the highest antioxidant attributes. Such variabilities provide the possibility of using elite populations containing a high ratio of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds in the food industry.

Sumac fruit supplementation improve glycemic parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the one of the main causes of mortality worldwide. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed the beneficial effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria) on cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the entirety of the evidence has yet to be summarized in a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of sumac on several cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with MetS and related disorders.

METHODS

We reviewed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL for RCTs published from inception to December 2020 evaluating the impact of sumac in adults with MetS or related disorders. Outcome measures included anthropometric measures, glycemic indices, blood lipids, blood pressure and liver enzymes. Pooled effect sizes were reported as standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Trials were pooled using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Nine studies enrolling 526 participants met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Our results indicate that sumac intake significantly decrease fasting blood sugar (FBS) (SMD: -0.28; 95% CI: -0.54, -0.02; I² = 00.0%), insulin (SMD: -0.67; 95% CI: -0.99, -0.36; I² = 03.7%), and insulin resistance (measured through the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)) (SMD: -0.79; 95% CI: -1.24, -0.34; I² = 50.1%). Sumac intake did not have a significant impact on weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT).

CONCLUSION

Sumac, as an adjuvant therapy, may decrease serum levels of FBS, insulin and HOMA-IR. However, due to high heterogeneity in the included studies, these findings must be interpreted with great caution. Larger, well-designed placebo-controlled clinical trials are still needed to further evaluate the capacity of sumac as a complementary treatment to control MetS risk factors.

Camphor, Artemisinin and Sumac Phytochemicals as inhibitors against COVID-19: Computational approach

Covid-19 is an emerging infectious disease caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Due to the rapid rise in deaths resulted from this infection all around the world, the identification of drugs against this new coronavirus is an important requirement. Among the drugs that can fight this type of infection; natural products are substances that serve as sources of beneficial chemical molecules for the development of effective therapies. In this study, Camphor, Artemisinin and 14 Sumac phytochemicals were docked in the active site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (PDB code: 6LU7). We have also performed molecular dynamic simulation at 100 ns with MM-GBSA/PBSA analysis for the structures with the best affinity in the binding site of the studied enzyme (Hinokiflavone and Myricetin) after docking calculations to consider parameters like RMSD, covariance, PCA, radius of gyration, potential energy, temperature and pressure. The result indicates that Hinokiflavone and Myricetin are the structures with best affinity and stability in the binding site of the studied enzyme and they respect the conditions mentioned in Lipinski's rule and have acceptable ADMET proprieties; so, these compounds have important pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability, and they could have more potent antiviral treatment of COVID-19 than the other studied compounds.

The effect of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac) is a popular spice/herb with several biological functions owing to its antioxidant and insulin-like activities. Many clinical trials have indicated the potent anti-diabetic property of sumac but the results on few glycemic indices were inconclusive. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis were aimed to investigate sumac supplementation effect on glycemic indices.

METHODS

Systematically searched was performed by two independent reviewers using online databases including: PubMed, Scopus, web of science, EMBASE from inception until November 2020. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 6 potentially relevant clinical trials met the inclusion criteria with total of 278 participants. Random-effects meta-analysis suggested no significant effects on the levels of fasting blood glucose [-7.08 mg/dl, 95 % CI: -14.85 to 0.70,P = 0.07, I² = 59.8 %], glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) [-0.48 %, 95 % CI: -1.01 to -0.04, P = 0.07, I² = 0.0 %], homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [-0.97, 95 % CI: -1.96 to 0.02, P = 0.05, I² = 83.8 %], and insulin [-2.94 Hedges' g, 95 % CI: -6.67 to 0.80, P = 0.12, I² = 83.1 %] following supplementation with sumac powder.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed no significant effects on any glycemic indices following supplementation with sumac powder.

Phytochemical characterization of some sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) genotypes from southern part of turkey

The present research aimed to study the total phenolics, total anthocyanins, total antioxidants, aroma profile, organic acids, and carbohydrate contents of 15 sumac genotypes selected from Kahramanmaras province of Turkey. Total phenols and anthocyanins were spectrophotometrically assessed. The DPPH method was used to determine the antioxidant capacity of the genotypes. Volatile component profiles were identified by HS-SPME/GC-MS while organic acids and carbohydrates were assessed by HPLC techniques. Total phenolic content of the genotypes varied from 36.38 (46SMC02) to 58.66 mg/g dw (46SMC10). Total anthocyanin content ranged from 10.87 (46SMC12) to 119.74 mg/L (46SMC05). The total antioxidant capacity was in the range of 73.37 (46SMC07) and 77.00% (46SMC06). A total of 26 volatile compounds were distinctly detected from the genotypes: 11 volatile compounds were classified as alcohols, 7 as terpenes, 6 as aldehydes and 2 as ketones. l-ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid and malic acid volumes were detected in the genotypes and their quantity ranged from 2.13 to 40.3, 1.3 to 2.9, 49.8 to 95.1 and 1360 to 2800 respectively. Sucrose quantity was found to vary between 1.41 (46SMC14) and 5.85% (46SMC01), glucose between the detection limit (46SMC01, 46SMC13 and 46SMC15) and 0.73% (46SMC09), xylose between 8.53 (46SMC14) and 30.17% (46SMC09) and fructose between an undetected value (46SMC09, 46SMC10 and 46SMC11) and 1.93% (46SMC13). The results presented here indicate that sumac fruit is a good source of nutritious compounds that may be used directly as a food source or food additives.

Effect of incremental levels of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) seed powder on growth, carcass traits, blood parameters, immune system and selected ileal microorganisms of broilers

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is a plant species belong to Anacardiaceous family that is worldwide diffused. The sumac seed power (SSP), produced by grinding dried fruits, is recognized to have defensive and beneficial effects on numerous health‑related problems. In this study, SSP was included in broilers basal‑diet to investigate the comparative effects of different levels of SSP on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immune system and ileal microorganisms. A total of 225, one day‑old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to the five dietary treatments with three replicates per treatment. The experimental diets were: basal‑diet (BD); and BD including 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20% SSP, respectively. During the whole feeding period (42 days), birds fed corn‑based grower (1‑21 days) and finisher (22‑42 days) diets, respectively. Results indicated that supplementing SSP had no effect on broiler body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion as well as carcass characteristics (P > 0.05). Similarly, blood total protein, albumin, glucose and triglyceride were not influenced by dietary SSP. Conversely, serum total cholesterol and LDL‑cholesterol levels were decreased, while HDL‑cholesterol increased in all SSP fed groups compared to control (P < 0.05). In this study the addition of SSP in broilers diets did not show any effect on blood heterophils and lymphocyte. Moreover, the lactobacillus count remained unaffected by dietary treatments, while E. coli count in broiler ileal content was lower when fed 0.10% SSP than the other groups (P < 0.05). Thus, the present findings indicated a positive effect of feeding SSP (especially at 0.10% diet) on blood cholesterol levels and E. coli count in broiler chickens

The effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) powder supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In recent years, great attention has been paid to the role of herbal medicine in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is a popular herb which contains major bioactive compounds known for a variety of health benefits. This study aimed to assess the effects of sumac powder supplementation on hepatic fibrosis and some metabolic markers in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

Eighty-four patients diagnosed with NAFLD were included in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. They were randomly assigned to receive 2000 mg per day sumac powder (n = 42) or placebo (n = 42) for 12 weeks. Also, both groups received a 500-calories deficit diet plan. Hepatic fibrosis and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) as well as fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index), QUICKI (insulin sensitivity index), malondialdehyde (MDA), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured at baseline and the end of trial.

RESULTS

Eighty patients completed the trial. After 12-weeks of intervention, subjects in the sumac group showed a greater decrease in hepatic fibrosis and liver enzymes as well as FBS, serum insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, MDA, and hs-CRP, compared to the placebo (P-value < 0.05); while the QUICKI was significantly higher in the sumac group at the end of intervention.

CONCLUSION

Daily intake of 2000 mg sumac powder along with a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks was beneficial for the management of NAFLD.

Could Sumac Be Effective on COVID-19 Treatment?

Sumac is an herbal product, commonly consumed as a spice and was used for medical treatment for centuries. The phytochemical structure of Sumac was studied extensively, and it was established that the herb contained tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, organic acids, and essential oils. Various scientific studies demonstrated that Sumac had a free oxygen radical-scavenging effect, a protective effect against liver damage, antihemolytic, leukopenia, and antifibrogenic effects, along with its antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Recently, several scientific studies described the pathophysiology, clinical course, and the treatment of COVID-19 infection. The examination of the characteristics of COVID-19 infection revealed via the clinical studies suggests that Sumac extract could be useful in the treatment of COVID-19. Given the scientific studies focusing on the beneficial effects of Sumac, the present review aims to provide an encouraging viewpoint to investigate whether Sumac is effective in treating COVID-19 infection.

Plastid genomes of the North American Rhus integrifolia-ovata complex and phylogenomic implications of inverted repeat structural evolution in Rhus L

Plastid genomes (plastomes) represent rich sources of information for phylogenomics, from higher-level studies to below the species level. The genus Rhus (sumac) has received a significant amount of study from phylogenetic and biogeographic perspectives, but genomic studies in this genus are lacking. Rhus integrifolia and R. ovata are two shrubby species of high ecological importance in the southwestern USA and Mexico, where they occupy coastal scrub and chaparral habitats. They hybridize frequently, representing a fascinating system in which to investigate the opposing effects of hybridization and divergent selection, yet are poorly characterized from a genomic perspective. In this study, complete plastid genomes were sequenced for one accession of R. integrifolia and one each of R. ovata from California and Arizona. Sequence variation among these three accessions was characterized, and PCR primers potentially useful in phylogeographic studies were designed. Phylogenomic analyses were conducted based on a robustly supported phylogenetic framework based on 52 complete plastomes across the order Sapindales. Repeat content, rather than the size of the inverted repeat, had a stronger relative association with total plastome length across Sapindales when analyzed with phylogenetic least squares regression. Variation at the inverted repeat boundary within Rhus was striking, resulting in major shifts and independent gene losses. Specifically, rps19 was lost independently in the R. integrifolia-ovata complex and in R. chinensis, with a further loss of rps22 and a major contraction of the inverted repeat in two accessions of the latter. Rhus represents a promising novel system to study plastome structural variation of photosynthetic angiosperms at and below the species level.

Preservative effects of sumac hydro-alcoholic extract and chitosan coating enriched along with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on the quality of beef during storage

Beef is susceptible to rapid spoilage due to its high amount of protein (18.00%) and moisture (72.00%). Food industries have recently found methods to extend beef shelf-life. The influence of beef dipping in hydro-alcoholic extract of sumac (SE) and chitosan (CH) coating incorporated with Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) on microbial, chemical and sensory quality of beef was evaluated during refrigerated storage. Total viable counts (TVC), lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts-molds, total volatile nitrogen (TVN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values (TBARS) and peroxide value (PV) were founded to be significantly lower in all treatment groups compare to control groups during storage time. The highest level of antimicrobial effects induced by chitosan, SE 4.00% and ZEO. We found that in TVC (3.69 log CFU g^-1 reduction compared with control group (sterile distilled water), Enterobacteriaceae (3.61 log CFU g^-1 reduction) and lactic acid bacteria (2.67 log CFU g^-1 reduction), respectively. Sumac gave a pleasant effect on sensory attributes and chitosan coating enriched with ZEO significantly improved sensory scores except for flavor factor. The results revealed the bio preservative properties of chitosan, hydro-alcoholic extract of sumac and Z. multiflora Boiss essential oil during refrigeration in normal packaging of beef.

Effect of sumac (Rhus Coriaria) on blood lipids: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the prominent cause of mortality worldwide. Hypercholesterolemia is a chief risk factor for the progress of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as herbal interventions has received much attention in literature. Rhus Coriaria (RC) with the general name Sumac is a medicinal spice, especially in Middle Eastern countries which is well known as an anti-lipid spice. This study aimed to summarize the existing findings regarding the effect of RC on the lipid profile. In this review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of RC on blood lipids were included. Electronic searches using the MeSH terms were conducted in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library. The effect of RC on serum lipid concentration were measured as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by the random-effects model. The initial search extracted 119 potentially relevant articles. After studying these publications, 4 were potentially eligible and retrieved in full text (four RCTs). Based on the results of the systematic review, RC has positive effects on different indices of the lipid profile including increasing Apo A-I and HDL; decreasing Apo B, Apo B/ Apo A1 ratio, total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride. However the meta-analysis conducted on three studies on total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglyceride individually did not show any significant difference between intervention and control groups. No definite conclusion could be made on the effect of RC on serum blood lipids due to lack of sufficient clinical trials and variable inconsistency. Future trials with desirable designs that would eliminate the limitations in the current evidence are needed before conclusive claims can be made about the effect of RC on the lipid profile.

Evolution of Volatile Emission in Rhus coriaria Organs During Different Stages of Growth and Evaluation of the Essential Oil Composition

Rhus coriaria, also known as Sumac, has been traditionally used in many countries as spice, condiment, dying agent, and medicinal herb. The chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) and the volatile emissions from different organs of this species collected in Sicily (Italy) were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most abundant class in the volatile emissions with β-caryophyllene and α-pinene were the main constituents in the majority of the examined samples. The EO composition was characterized by high amount of monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons together with diterpenes. The main compounds in the EO obtained from the leaves and both stages of fruit maturation were cembrene and β-caryophyllene, while α-pinene and tridecanoic acid were the key compounds in the flower EO. All the data were submitted to multivariate statistical analysis showing many differences among the different plant parts and their ontogenetic stages.

Clinical Effects of Rhus coriaria Fruits on Dyslipidemia308 in Adolescents: a Triple-blinded Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Children and adolescents are considered as the best target groups for preventing and controlling the cardiovascular diseases risk factors and reducing mortality in adulthood. Alternative medicine and herbal drugs have been taken into account for managing dyslipidemia in this population. The beneficial effects of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) on lipid profile have been confirmed in some laboratory and animal studies. This study was designed to investigate the clinical effects of sumac fruits on dyslipidemia in 12-18 years-old adolescents.

METHODS

This randomized triple-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 72 obese adolescents with dyslipidemia from August 2011 to June 2012 in Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan, Iran. Eligible adolescents were randomly assigned to two case and control groups. The control group received placebo capsules and the case group received capsules containing 500 mg of powdered sumac fruits, each three times a day for one month. Biochemical parameters including 12-hrs fasting serum levels of total cholesterol (Total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured before the initiation and after the completion of the study protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 16.0, using Independent Samples T-test, or Paired Samples T-test, for between-group and within-group analysis, respectively.

FINDINGS

The plasma levels of Total-C, LDL-C, and TG changed significantly over-time in the case group. Furthermore, between-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference between case and control groups with this regard (P < 0.05, for all statistical comparisons). However, HDL-C levels have not been changed significantly over-time within the case or control group, neither between the two study groups.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the considerable effects of Rhus coriaria (sumac) on reducing serum levels of Total-C, LDL-C, and TG have been noticed during one-month trial. However, probably due to the concise period of sumac consumption, its effect on HDL-C was not statistically significant.

The Effect of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.)Powder on Serum Glycemic Status, ApoB, ApoA-I and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is used as an herbal remedy in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sumac (R. coriaria) on serum glycemic status, apolipoprotein (apo) B, apoA-I and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in type 2 diabetic patients. This double blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 41type 2 diabetic volunteers randomly assigned into 3g/day sumac powder (n=22) or placebo (n=19) groups over 3 months. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention. Serum glucose and HbA1c were measured using enzymatic and turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay methods, respectively. ApoB, apoA-I and TAC were determined using turbidimetric immunoassay and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. There were significant decreases in serum glucose and HbA1c and also apoB levels at the end of study compared with initial values (P< 0.0001, P= 0.002 and P< 0.0001,respectively). Also, there was a significant difference in HbA1c and TAC levels between placebo and sumac groups at the end of study (P< 0.05).In sumac group, there were significant increase in apoA-I and TAC(P< 0.0001) compared with initial values. The mean of differences of serum glucose, HbA1c, apoB, apoA-I, apoB/apoA-I ratio and TAC between groups were significant (P< 0.05). In conclusion, these results showed the favorite effect of sumac consumption on serum glycemic status, apoB, apoA-I and TAC levels in in type 2 diabetic patients.

Historical biogeography of Eastern Asian-Eastern North American disjunct Melaphidina aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Eriosomatinae) on Rhus hosts (Anacardiaceae)

Intercontinental biotic disjunctions have been documented and analyzed in numerous Holarctic taxa. Patterns previously synthesized for animals compared to plants suggest that the timing of animal disjunctions are mostly Early Tertiary and were generated by migration and vicariance events occurring in the North Atlantic, while plant disjunctions are mostly Mid-Late Tertiary and imply migration and vicariance over Beringia. Melaphidina aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Fordini) exhibit host-alternating life cycles comprising an obligate seasonal shift between Rhus subgenus Rhus species (Anacardiaceae) and mosses (Bryophyta). Similar to their Rhus hosts, melaphidines are distributed disjunctly between Eastern Asia and Eastern North America. We examined evolutionary relationships within Melaphidina to determine the position of the North American lineage, date its divergence from Asian relatives, and compare these results to a previous historical biogeographic study of Rhus. We sampled nine species and three subspecies representing all six genera of Melaphidina. Data included sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and II+leucine tRNA, cytochrome b, and nuclear elongation factor 1α genes. Phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian, maximum-likelihood, parsimony) of the combined data (3282 bp) supported the monophyly of all genera except Nurudea and Schlechtendalia, due to the position of N. ibofushi. While the exact position of the North American Melaphis was not well resolved, there was high support for a derived position within Asian taxa. The divergence of Melaphis from Asian relatives centered on the Eocene-Oligocene boundary (~33-35Ma), which coincides with closure of Beringian Land Bridge I. This also corresponded to the Asian-North American disjunction previously estimated for subgenus Rhus spp. We suggest the late-Eocene Bering Land Bridge as the most likely migration route for Melaphis ancestors, as was also hypothesized for North American Rhus ancestors. Results for the Melaphidina disjunction depart from the modal pattern in animal lineages, and present a case where insect and host-plant taxa apparently responded similarly to Tertiary climate change.

Tannin extracted from Sumac inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell migration

BACKGROUND

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is integral in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Sumac (Rhus coriaria) berries are believed to have atheroprotective effects. Therefore, Sumac, which is a rich source of tannin antioxidants, was tested for its capacity to inhibit VSMC migratory activity.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Tannin was extracted and purified from ground Sumac. Cultured rat carotid VSMCs were treated with different concentrations of tannin. After 10 days of tannin treatment, VSMC migratory activity in response to platelet-derived growth factor-BB was measured by transmembrane migration assay. An equal number of VSMCs was loaded on top of the inserts and at the bottom of the wells. After fixation and staining, cells migrating through the inserts and cells seeded at the bottom of the wells were counted.

RESULTS

A significant reduction (62%) of VSMC migration was evident in tannin-treated cells. To rule out any possible toxicity and cell death, cells at the bottom of the wells were also counted. No difference between the tannin-treated group and the controls was observed in the number of cells seeded at the bottom of the wells.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that tannin extracted from Sumac possesses potent antimigratory activity. Sumac may have potential for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations. Further experiments, especially in vivo, are required to examine the atheroprotective effect of Sumac.