- Historically, sorrel has been used as a salad green, spring tonic, diarrhea remedy, weak diuretic, and soothing agent for irritated nasal passages. Sorrel has been used with other herbs to treat bronchitis and sinus conditions in Germany since the 1930s. The possible benefit of the multi-ingredient product, Sinupret®, has recently been supported by clinical studies. Sorrel is also found in the proposed herbal cancer remedy, Essiac®, but effectiveness has not been proven.
- Sorrel contains oxalate (oxalic acid), which is potentially toxic in large doses. Organ damage and death were reported following ingestion of a concentrated sorrel soup. Other adverse and drug/herb interactions are possible.
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ingredients
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Contents
- Choe S, Hwang B, Kim M, et al. Chemical components of Rumex acetellosa L. Korean J Pharmacog 1998;29:209-216.
- Ernst E, Marz RW, Sieder C. [Acute bronchitis: effectiveness of Sinupret. Comparative study with common expectorants in 3,187 patients]. Fortschr Med 4-20-1997;115(11):52-53.
View Abstract - Farre M, Xirgu J, Salgado A, et al. Fatal oxalic acid poisoning from sorrel soup. Lancet 12-23-1989;2(8678-8679):1524.
View Abstract - Ismail C, Wiesel A, Marz RW, et al. Surveillance study of Sinupret in comparison with data of the Mainz birth registry. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2003;267(4):196-201.
View Abstract - Jaber R. Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. Prim Care 2002;29(2):231-261.
View Abstract - Jellinek N, Maloney ME. Escharotic and other botanical agents for the treatment of skin cancer: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;53(3):487-495.
View Abstract - Kaegi E. Unconventional therapies for cancer: 1. Essiac. The Task Force on Alternative Therapies of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative. CMAJ 4-7-1998;158(7):897-902.
View Abstract - Karn H, Moore MJ. The use of the herbal remedy ESSIAC in an outpatient cancer population. Proc Annu Meet Am Soc Clin Oncol 1997;16:A245.
- Locock RA. Herbal medicine: Essiac. Can Pharm J 1997;130 (Feb):18-19, 51.
- Melzer J, Saller R, Schapowal A, et al. Systematic review of clinical data with BNO-101 (Sinupret) in the treatment of sinusitis. Forsch Komplement Med 2006;13(2):78-87.
View Abstract - Neubauer N, Marz RW. Placebo-controlled, randomized double-blind clinical trial with Sinupret sugar coated tablets on the basis of a therapy with antibiotics and decongestant nasal drops in acute sinusitis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:177-181.
- Richardson MA. Research of complementary/alternative medicine therapies in oncology: promising but challenging. J Clin Oncol 1999;17(11 Suppl):38-43.
View Abstract - Sanz P, Reig R. Clinical and pathological findings in fatal plant oxalosis. A review. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 1992;13(4):342-345.
View Abstract - Yamamoto A. Essiac. Can J Hosp Pharm 1988;41(3):158.
- Zick SM, Sen A, Feng Y, et al. Trial of Essiac to ascertain its effect in women with breast cancer (TEA-BC). J Altern Complement Med 2006;12(10):971-980.
View Abstract
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
