Abstract

Plants have played a vital role in the prevention and treatment of diseases since prehistoric times WHO estimates that 65 -80 of the world s population use traditional medicines as their primary form of health care and most of the diseases have been treated by administration of plant or plant products Sumaq Rhus coriaria Linn is most useful herbal medicinal plant in India its post of fruits possess medicinal property During the last few years the phytochemistry of the Sumaq is been achieved regarding the biological activity and its medicinal applications It is now considered as a natural product for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products This review gives a keen view mainly on the biological activities of the Sumaq and some of their compounds isolated pharmacological actions of the Sumaq extracts and plausible medicinal applications of Sumaq along with their safety evaluation