ABSTRACT
The essential oil obtained from the fruits of Rhus coriaria L.[Sumac] [Anacardiaceae] by hydrodistillation [0.02%] was analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty seven constituents. amounting to 94.27%, were identified in the essential oil. The predominant compounds were among the oxygenated terpenoids [61 19%], represented by thymol [52.25%]. Caryophyllene [10.90%] and cembrene [9.81%] were the major sesquiterpene and diterpene hydrocarbons. respectively. The physic-chemical characters of the extracted fixed oil [6.5%] of the fruits were determined. GLC analysis of the saponifiable fraction of the fixed oil revealed that linoleic [56.47%] and oleic [29.97%] acids were the major unsaturated fatty acids: while palmitic and stearie acids were the major saturated ones. Ethanol extracts of the fruits and seeds, as well as, the volatile oil have demonstrated variable antimicrobial activities against certain micro-organisms. The essential oil revealed marked in vitro cytotoxicity against certain human cell lines, liver [HEPG2], colon [HCT116] and larynx [HEP2] carcinoma cell lines. The ethanol extracts were found variably effective as analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective DNA fingerprinting of the fruits of Sumac was carried out as a mean of identification of the genetic profile of the fruits sold in the Egyptian herbal market