Rhus chinensis
Family:- Anacardiaceae
Common Name:- Chinese sumac, nutgall tree
Vernacular name:- Takmu(Nyishi)
General_Information
Rhus chinensis is a deciduous tree grown upto 6m (20 ft) tall, their leaves consist of several leaflets and it has downy shoots. These turn red in autumn 🍂 before falling. Chinese sumac mostly found in East & South Asia, Northeast India & Japan in temperate climate regions. Their fruits are sour in taste & can be eaten. Fruits are used to trap birds by the locals of Arunachal Pradesh specially by the denizens of Kurung Kumey district.
These species are widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for coughs, diarrhea, night sweats, dysentery, and intestinal and uterine bleeding. Some research has suggested that chemical compounds found in Rhus chinensis possess in vitro antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant activities. However, it is important to note that this evidence is not substantiated by multiple international researchers. The aqueous extracts of the gall also inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity in vitro.
Edible_Uses
It gives an acid flavour. It is also used medicinally. The fruit can be used as a salt or a rennet substitute. Individual fruits are quite small, with very little flesh, but they are produced in clusters and are easily harvested.
Medicinal_value
Galls are produced on the leaves and petioles as a result of activity by the aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis and, to a lesser extent, by Schlechtendalia peitan. These galls are rich in tannins and are often used for their antisepic, astringent, haemostatic and styptic properties. Taken internally they are used to treat a range of conditions including chronic diarrhoea, haemorrhage, persistent cough with blood, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, bloody stool, urorrhoea and bloody sputum. They are a frequent ingredient of polyherbal prescriptions for the treatment of various conditions, including diabetes mellitus.
Other_Uses
The leaves are rich in tannin. They can be collected as they fall in the autumn and used as a brown dye or as a mordant. Oil is extracted from the seeds. It attains a tallow-like consistency on standing and is used to make candles. These burn brilliantly, though they emit a pungent smoke.