Iranian Journal of War and Public Health

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eISSN (Persian): 2008-2630
pISSN (Persian): 2008-2622
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Volume 18, Issue 2 (2026)                   Iran J War Public Health 2026, 18(2): 227-234 | Back to browse issues page

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Ali D, Qasim M, Jebur N. Biological and Antimicrobial Activities of Rhus coriaria (Sumac) Extracts against Bacteria and Fungi. Iran J War Public Health 2026; 18 (2) :227-234
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1- Department of Microbiology, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, University of Manara, Al-Amarah, Iraq
* Corresponding Author Address: Department of Microbiology, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, University of Manara, Sadr Hospital Street, Al-Amarah, Al-Maysan,, Iraq. Postal Code: 62001 (dr.mohammed93@uomanara.edu.iq)
Abstract   (468 Views)
Aims: This study evaluated the composition and the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities of Rhus coriaria (sumac) fruit extracts using both in vitro and in vivo approaches.
Materials & Methods: Fresh sumac fruits were extracted with 80% methanol using Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical characterization was performed through qualitative screening, total phenolic and flavonoid assays, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Antiviral activity against HSV-1 and Influenza A was assessed using plaque reduction assays. Antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. Hypolipidemic effects were investigated in hyperlipidemic Wistar rats by measuring serum lipid profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities.
Findings: The methanolic extract exhibited high phenolic and flavonoid contents, measuring 215.6±4.3mg GAE/g and 98.4±3.7mg QE/g, respectively. Over 25 phytochemicals were detected, including gallic acid, methyl gallate, quercetin, and rutin. The extract demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 18.6 to 22.4 mm and MIC values ranging from 100 to 250µg/mL. It inhibited HSV-1 and H1N1 replication by 75.7% and 71.4%, respectively. It also showed strong antioxidant activity, with a DPPH IC₅₀ value of 44.6µg/mL. In hyperlipidemic rats, the extract significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increased high-density lipoprotein levels compared with those in the hyperlipidemic control group (p<0.01).
Conclusion: R. coriaria shows promising antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
 
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