+ “Sorrel” Rumex acetosa By Gabriela Gonzalez

+ Sorrel Perennial plant that is native to the European countries. It comes in four varieties that include: Common sorrel, sheep sorrel, Jamaican sorrel, and Rumex crispus. However, Rumex acetosa is common sorrel.

+ Nutrition Content 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) 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) Rich in minerals Sorrel has a sour taste due to the oxalic acid content found in the plant

+ Benefits of Sorrel Effects: It acts as a diuretic. It stimulates secretion and improves resistance to infections (antibacterial). Effects are questionable. (PDR) 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) One of the variations of sorrel, specifically sheep sorrel, is used in an “anti-cancer” holistic treatment known as “Essiac.” 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 well- being, relieve pain, increase appetite, reduce tumor size, and extend survival” (Essiac Tea)

+ Compounds in Sorrel Oxalates: oxalic acid, calcium oxalate Tannins (7-10%) Flavonoids Anthracene derivatives: anthranoids, aglycones, physcion, chryosphanol, emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein, and their glucosides, as well as aloe-emodin acetate

+ Tannins

+ Sorrel has a tannin content of 7-10% 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) However, the tannin content is what aids in reducing mucous production- tannins act as astringents and have a drying effect (Web MD). Tannins are natural astringents because they possess a high polyphenol content

+ Oxalic Acid

+ Excessive oxalic acid inhibits calcium and iron absorption Calcium and iron intake can be increased to counteract this 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) “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) EPA classified it as a pesticide in the 1950’s because it was used as a bathroom disinfectant, making it highly toxic. Sorrel has a content of 0.3% oxalic acid-it becomes dangerous when large quantities are consumed.

+ Studies on Sorrel Insufficient research and/or very outdated However, the detrimental effects of large quantities of this plant are valid It contains oxalic acid, which makes it highly unfavorable as a food source for people who suffer from kidney disease. 500 grams is the recommended intake of sorrel (WebMD) 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.

+ From PDR Precautions and adverse reactions: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages Overdosage: Oxalate poisonings are conceivable only with consumption of very large quantities of the leaves as a salad.

+ Thank You Works Cited Bardot, Jean. "The Herbal Benefits of Sorrel." LIVESTRONG.COM. Live Strong Foundation, 27 June Web. 23 May Clinton, Catherine. "Plant Tannins: A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis." Natural Medicine Journal (n.d.): 1-4. Natural Medicine Journal. Nov Web. "Essiac Tea." Essiac Tea. N.p., 14 Oct Web. 21 May Kemper, Kathi J. "Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa L.)." Longwood Herbal Task Force. The Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research, 15 July Web.. "Rumex Acetosa (common Sorrel)." Plants & Fungi: Rumex Acetosa (common Sorrel). Kew Royal Botanics Gardens, n.d. Web. 21 May "Sorrel." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 21 May "Tannin." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May Thryn, Damien. "Physical Properties of Oxalic Acid | EHow." EHow. Demand Media, 06 Apr Web. 21 May Wolf, Nicki. "Nutrition Facts on Sorrel." LIVESTRONG.COM. Live Strong Foundation, 8 Jan Web. 23 May Wildman, R Handbook of Neutraceuticals and Functional Foods. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor and Francis Group. Brendler, T. Gruenwald, J., Jaenicke, C. (2007) PDR for herbal remedies. Montvale, NJ: Thomson Healthcare Inc.