Transcript *Sorrel* Rumex acetosa

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“Sorrel”
Rumex acetosa
By Gabriela Gonzalez
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Sorrel
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Perennial plant that is native to the European countries.
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It comes in four varieties that include: Common sorrel,
sheep sorrel, Jamaican sorrel, and Rumex crispus.
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However, Rumex acetosa is common sorrel.
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Nutrition Content
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Sorrel is high in Vitamin C, containing approximately 53% of
daily intake, and for this reason it has been used to treat
scurvy throughout history (Wolf)
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Content of fiber is 2 grams per serving (1/2 cup), making it
an excellent choice for somebody who is seeking to help
prevent diarrhea and constipation (Wolf)
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Rich in minerals
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Sorrel has a sour taste due to the oxalic acid content found in
the plant
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Benefits of Sorrel
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Effects: It acts as a diuretic. It stimulates secretion and improves
resistance to infections (antibacterial). Effects are questionable.
(PDR)
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Unproven uses: Used for acute and chronic inflammation of the
nasal passages and respiratory tract. It is also used as an
adjuvant in antibacterial therapy. (PDR)
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One of the variations of sorrel, specifically sheep sorrel, is used
in an “anti-cancer” holistic treatment known as “Essiac.”
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It is a tea that consists of the fusion of four herbs: sheep sorrel,
burdock root, Indian rhubarb root, and slippery elm inner bark.
It is believed to “strengthen the immune system, improve wellbeing, relieve pain, increase appetite, reduce tumor size, and
extend survival” (Essiac Tea)
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Compounds in Sorrel
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Oxalates: oxalic acid, calcium oxalate
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Tannins (7-10%)
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Flavonoids
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Anthracene derivatives: anthranoids, aglycones, physcion,
chryosphanol, emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, and their
glucosides, as well as aloe-emodin acetate
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Tannins
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Tannins
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Sorrel has a tannin content of 7-10%
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Plants that exhibit a tannin content greater than 10% can be
detrimental to human health because they can cause “upset
stomach, renal damage, hepatic necrosis, and an increased
risk of esophageal and nasal cancer” (Kemper)
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However, the tannin content is what aids in reducing mucous
production- tannins act as astringents and have a drying
effect (Web MD).
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Tannins are natural astringents because they possess a high
polyphenol content
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Oxalic Acid
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Oxalic Acid
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Excessive oxalic acid inhibits calcium and iron absorption
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Calcium and iron intake can be increased to counteract this
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A person with kidney stones or gout should stay away from
foods high in oxalic acid because decreased calcium absorption
aids in the production of oxalate or calcium oxalate stones (Wolf)
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“Oxalic acid combines with calcium in the blood, forming
insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that may be deposited in the
kidneys, leading to renal stones” (Kemper)
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EPA classified it as a pesticide in the 1950’s because it was used
as a bathroom disinfectant, making it highly toxic.
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Sorrel has a content of 0.3% oxalic acid-it becomes dangerous
when large quantities are consumed.
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Studies on Sorrel
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Insufficient research and/or very outdated
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However, the detrimental effects of large quantities of this
plant are valid
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It contains oxalic acid, which makes it highly unfavorable as a
food source for people who suffer from kidney disease.
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500 grams is the recommended intake of sorrel (WebMD)
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According to WebMD, sorrel might be unsafe for children
because there was a case where a child died after consuming
rhubarb leaves, which contain oxalic acid.
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From PDR
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Precautions and adverse reactions: No health hazards or side
effects are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages
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Overdosage: Oxalate poisonings are conceivable only with
consumption of very large quantities of the leaves as a salad.
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Thank You
Works Cited
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Bardot, Jean. "The Herbal Benefits of Sorrel." LIVESTRONG.COM. Live Strong Foundation, 27 June 2011. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/479983-the-herbal-benefits-of-sorrel/>.
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Clinton, Catherine. "Plant Tannins: A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis." Natural Medicine Journal (n.d.): 1-4. Natural Medicine Journal. Nov. 2009. Web.
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"Essiac Tea." Essiac Tea. N.p., 14 Oct. 2011. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/essiac-tea>.
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Kemper, Kathi J. "Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa L.)." Longwood Herbal Task Force. The Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research, 15 July 1999. Web. <http://www.longwoodherbal.org/sorrel/sorrel.pdf>.
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"Rumex Acetosa (common Sorrel)." Plants & Fungi: Rumex Acetosa (common Sorrel). Kew Royal Botanics Gardens, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Rumex-acetosa.htm>.
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"Sorrel." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-718-SORREL.aspx?activeIngredientId=718>.
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"Tannin." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/chemistry-terms/tannin-info.htm>.
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Thryn, Damien. "Physical Properties of Oxalic Acid | EHow." EHow. Demand Media, 06 Apr. 2011. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.ehow.com/info_8178283_physical-properties-oxalic-acid.html>.
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Wolf, Nicki. "Nutrition Facts on Sorrel." LIVESTRONG.COM. Live Strong Foundation, 8 Jan. 2011. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/352308-nutrition-facts-on-sorrel/>.
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Wildman, R. 2007. Handbook of Neutraceuticals and Functional Foods. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor and Francis Group.
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Brendler, T. Gruenwald, J., Jaenicke, C. (2007) PDR for herbal remedies. Montvale, NJ: Thomson Healthcare Inc.