Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)

RELATED TERMS

Acedera, acid sorrel, aglycones, aloe-emodin, aloe-emodin acetate, anthracene derivatives, anthranoids, ascorbic acid, azeda-brava, buckler leaf, cigreto, common sorrel, cuckoo sorrow, cuckoo's meate, dock, dog-eared sorrel, emodin, FE, field sorrel, flavonoids, French sorrel, garden sorrel, gowke-meat, greensauce, green sorrel, Herba acetosa, kemekulagi, oxalates, phenylpropanoid, physcion, Polygonaceae (family), quinoids, red sorrel, red top sorrel, rhein, round leaf sorrel, Rumex scutatus, Rumex acetosa L., Rumex acetosella L., sheephead sorrel, sheep sorrel, sheep's sorrel, sorrel dock, sour dock, sour grass, sour sabs, sour suds, sour sauce, Wiesensauerampfer, wild sorrel.

Note: Not to be confused with shamrock (Oxalis hedysaroides, also redwood sorrel, sorrel, violet wood sorrel) or roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa, also Guinea sorrel, Jamaican sorrel).

BACKGROUND

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.

EVIDENCE TABLE

Conditions

Uses disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.	Grade*
Allergies (allergic rhinitis) There is not enough evidence in this area. More research of sorrel alone is needed.	C
Antibacterial There is not enough evidence in this area. More research of sorrel alone is needed.	C
Bronchitis Sorrel, in combination with other herbs, may have beneficial effects for acute bronchitis, but it is not clear what dose is safe or effective. Sorrel alone has not been studied for this indication.	C
Cancer Early evidence suggests that herbal formulations containing sorrel, such as Essiac©, do not shrink tumor size or increase life expectancy in patients with cancer. However, currently there is a lack of studies that look at sorrel as the sole treatment for cancer, and a strong recommendation cannot be made without further research.	C
Quality of life (cancer) Essiac© is a popular therapy for cancer. It is unclear whether Essiac© is helpful in increasing quality of life in women with breast cancer. Better studies are needed to understand this relationship.	C
Sinusitis Research suggests that an herbal combination preparation containing sorrel called Sinupret© may have beneficial effects in improving symptoms of sinus infection when used with antibiotics. It is not clear if these same effects would be seen with sorrel alone or what dose may be safe and effective.	C
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

TRADITION

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Acne, anemia, antimicrobial, antiviral, appetite stimulant, asthma, astringent, bleeding, boils, constipation, diarrhea, diuresis (urine production), fever, gonorrhea, HIV, infection, inflammation, itching, jaundice, kidney stones, nasal inflammation, nettle rash, parasites, rash, respiratory disease, respiratory inflammation, ringworm, skin cancer, sore throat, stomach problems, ulcerated bowel, ulcers (gastrointestinal), vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), wound healing.

DOSING

disclaimer: The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

There is a lack of established dosages for sorrel taken alone. In small doses, sorrel is likely safe. However, due to reports of significant oxalate toxicity when taken in larger doses, caution is advised.

Sorrel is most often used medicinally as a part of combination formulas. For cancer, a dose of 30 milliliters (two tablespoons) of Essiac© tea has been taken 1-3 times daily. For sinus infections, 1-2 tablets of the combination product Sinupret© taken by mouth 1-3 times daily for two weeks has been studied. Sinupret© is a combination product containing sorrel, gentian root, European elderflower, verbena, and cowslip flower. Fifty drops of an alcohol-based (19%) Sinupret© tincture has also been taken by mouth three times daily.

Children (younger than 18 years):

There are not enough scientific data to recommend sorrel for use in children, and sorrel is not recommended because of potential side effects and toxicity.

SAFETY

disclaimer: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

People should avoid sorrel if they have known allergies to sorrel (Rumex acetosa) or any member of the Polygonaceae family. Sorrel's pollen is a potential respiratory allergen and may trigger allergic reactions or bronchial asthma. Signs of allergy include rash, itching, and shortness of breath.

Side Effects and Warnings

There is limited evidence for the safety of sorrel consumed alone. Sorrel seems to be well tolerated by most people. Some people may experience stomach pain or cramping, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side effects may include difficulty breathing or skin irritation caused by sorrel allergies. Rarely, kidney stones or kidney damage may occur, causing either frequent urination or lack of urination. Low levels of calcium in the blood may also occur, which can lead to muscle spasms. Dizziness, gastrointestinal tract damage, and liver disease are also possible side effects. Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided when driving or operating heavy machinery. Large doses of sorrel should be avoided; they have been associated with reports of toxicity and death, possibly caused by oxalates found in sorrel.

The combination formula Sinupret©, which contains sorrel in combination with gentian root, European elderflower, verbena, and cowslip flower, is reported to be well tolerated but has been associated with infrequent few cases of gastrointestinal upset. Essiac©, an herbal combination product that contains sorrel, has also caused minor side effects.

Caution should be used among patients with kidney conditions or stomach.

Sorrel is possibly unsafe in children due to its oxalic acid content; ingestion of rhubarb leaves, another source of oxalic acid, is reported to have caused death in a four-year-old child.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend using sorrel during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and should be avoided during pregnancy. Sinupret© did not increase the risk of birth defects in one study.

INTERACTIONS

disclaimer: Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

In general, prescription drugs should be taken one hour before or two hours after sorrel to reduce the likelihood of drug interactions. Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl©) or disulfiram (Antabuse©).

In theory, herbs with high tannin content, such as sorrel, should not be used in combination with alkaloid agents, such as atropine, galantamine, scopolamine (Transderm-Scop©), or vinblastine.

Use of the antibiotic doxycycline with Quanterra© Sinus Defense or Sinupret© may have a positive interaction and improve outcomes in patients with acute bacterial sinusitis.

Sorrel is popularly taken in Essiac© as a cancer therapy. In theory, sorrel and sorrel combination products (e.g. Essiac©, Flor-Essence©) may interact with other cancer therapies.

Excessive urination has been reported with the use of sorrel, and may add to the effects of diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide (Lasix©).

In large amounts, ingestion of sorrel may lead to kidney stones, kidney damage, or liver damage and should be avoided with agents that are toxic to the kidney or liver.

Sorrel may also interact with antivirals or gastrointestinal drugs.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

In theory, sorrel should be administered separate from other herbs or supplements, especially alkaloid agents, such as belladonna. Sorrel may impair absorption of calcium, iron, and zinc supplements.

Excessive urination has been reported with the use of sorrel. Sorrel may add to the effects of diuretic herbs such as artichoke, celery, or dandelion.

In large amounts, ingestion of sorrel may lead to kidney stones, kidney damage or to liver damage, and should be avoided with agents that are toxic to the kidney or liver.

Rhubarb and shamrock are sources of oxalate, and may add to the toxic effects of oxalate in sorrel.

Sorrel may also interact with antibacterial, anti-cancer, antiviral, and gastrointestinal herbs and supplements.

ATTRIBUTION

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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• 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.
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disclaimer: Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2011 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. disclaimer: While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. disclaimer: The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)