Chinese gall
Rhus chinensis
Rhus chinensis, commonly known as Chinese sumac or Chinese gallnut tree, is a traditional plant primarily associated with East Asian medicine. Traditionally, it has not been extensively documented for specific medicinal uses in any particular tradition. Scientific evidence suggests that the honey derived from this plant shows moderate antioxidant and antibacterial activity, though its performance does not significantly outperform other honeys evaluated. Studies have also noted variations in amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents among different regions of Chinese gallnut honey, which may be influenced by environmental factors. Additionally, mixed-species afforestation has been shown to increase soil carbon and nitrogen storages more than monocultures, likely due to higher proportions of larger soil aggregates. The plant's genome has been found to contain various types of retrocopies, including putative retrogenes and chimeric genes, contributing to genetic diversity. Safety concerns for Rhus chinensis are currently unreported; no major issues have been documented. There is also no recorded evidence of significant drug interactions with this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found variations in amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents among different regions of Guizhou Province's Chinese gallnut honey, with some correlations to environmental factors.
- The study identified various types of retrocopies in the Schlechtendalia chinensis genome, including putative retrogenes and chimeric genes, which contribute to genetic diversity.
- Mixed-species afforestation increased soil carbon and nitrogen storages more than monocultures, primarily due to higher proportions of larger aggregates.
- Rhus chinensis showed superior antibacterial efficacy among tested Chinese herbal medicines against Staphylococcus caprae isolated from dairy goats with mastitis.
- Honeybee survival rate increased and ROS levels decreased after treatment with tannic acid during cold stress.
- Rhus chinensis honey showed moderate antioxidant and antibacterial activity compared to other honeys evaluated in the study.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese gall?
Chinese gall (Rhus chinensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese gall?
6 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese gall; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found variations in amino acid, vitamin, and mineral contents among different regions of Guizhou Province's Chinese gallnut honey, with some correlations to environmental factors.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese gall?
The strongest finding for Chinese gall carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chinese gall safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese gall in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chinese gall interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese gall in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chinese gall?
Chinese gall is also known as: Сумах китайский, Sumac de Chine.
Is Chinese gall a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Tannic Acid Enhances Cold Resistance in Apis mellifera via Antioxidant Defense and Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Activation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of Staphylococcus caprae from dairy goats with mastitis to antibiotics and Chinese herbal medicines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activity and Volatile Components of Three Distinctive Apis cerana Honeys. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Gene retroposition and functional diversification of retrocopies in the Rhus gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Analysis of Amino Acid, Vitamin, and Mineral Content in Chinese Gallnut (Rhus chinensis Mill.) Honey from Guizhou Province. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mixed-species afforestation stimulates the flow and turnover of carbon and nitrogen within soil aggregates in a degraded karst ecosystem. literature abstract metadata