Ingredients and toxicity
Vinegar trees evoke associations of poisoning that are unfounded. This confusion stems from the fact that other species in the vinegar tree genus produce poisonous effects. Poison sumac contains urushiols, which cause strong allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin.
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No urushiols were found in the vinegar tree. In addition to tannins and ellagic acid, the plant parts of the vinegar trees contain an acidic cell sap. Here the toxicity, which can be classified as easy, is due to the tannins and the fruit acids. The dose makes the poison, because symptoms of poisoning due to the tannins only occur when consuming large quantities or over a long period of time. Contact with the milky sap can cause skin irritation.
Possible consequences after consumption:
- Inflammation of the lining of the stomach
- Liver damage
- Stomach and intestinal pain
- Nausea, headache and nausea
Toxicity to animals
In animals, the parts of the plant cause more intense symptoms of poisoning after consumption. Hamsters and guinea pigs react with stomach and intestinal problems, while the ingredients cause colic and diarrhea in horses. In many animals, the milky sap causes inflammation on the skin or mucous membranes.
use
The red fruit bunches of the vinegar tree are used to make refreshing lemonades that are rich in vitamin C. They are used to make vinegar, which led to the name vinegar tree. In Turkey, the dried seeds are used as a spice, which gives various dishes a sour taste.