The International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE)
Abstract
This study aimed at assaying the antioxidant activities of Syrian sumac (Rhus coriaria) . The proximate analysis revealed that Syrian sumac contains higher percentage of fat , carbohydrate , protein and ash 18.74 , 71.21 , 4.69 and 2.93 % respectively . All extracts 1,4 and 2 showed antioxidant effects compared with ?- tocopherol . But the antioxidant effects of all extracts was low compared with BHT . While the extracts 3 has no effect in preventing lipid peroxidation 37.87% at 5 mg / ml after 1 day . The antimicrobial activity of Rhus coriaria extracts were tested against six strains including three Gram –positive and three Gram –negative . Bacillus subtilis was found to be the most sensitive Gram –positive with MIC of 0.5 mg / ml , while Gram –negative bacteria were affected by higher concentrations of sumac extracts ranging 10-20 mg / ml . Among bacteria , the inhibitory effects was increased with the increase of R . coriaria fruit extracts concentration from 0.1 to 20 mg / ml . The findings demonstrate that sumac can be used as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial
