The Effect of Sumac Powder (Rhus Coriaria L) on Homocysteine and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine increase along with inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The antioxidant properties of sumac might affect homocysteine and hs-CRP levels. We aimed to examine the effects of sumac powder (Rhus Coriaria L) on homocysteine and hs-CRP in patients with T2DM.

In a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial, conducted in Ardekan city, Yazd, Iran; 60 patients with T2DM were randomly divided into 2 groups to consume either low fat yogurt alone in the control group or along with 6 (2×3 grams) grams of sumac powder daily in the intervention group, for 3 months. Fasting blood samples were used to analyze the fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum homocysteine, and hs-CRP at the baseline and after 90 days. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Fifty-eight individuals (intervention n=30, control n=28) with a mean age of 52.30±7.05 years in the intervention, and 51.61±7.07 years in the control group, finished the study. No significant differences were seen for FBS (p=0.94) and homocysteine (p=0.69) changes between the groups; but hs-CRP changes were significantly different between the groups (p=0.03).

Daily consumption of sumac powder for 3 months may not have a reducing effect on FBS and serum homocysteine. This is while sumac may prevent increment of hs-CRP in patients with T2DM.