Based on ORAC scores, the highest level I've found is a 50 times concentrated extract of the herb called Sumac Bran.

No - it's not botanically related to poison sumac!

Sumac bran is listed as the highest ORAC value of any superfood at oracvalues.com at 312,000 per 100 grams.

Our concentrate is over 15.6 million ORAC per 100 grams.

I include this remarkable ingredient in several of our formulas including Synergy C: The Complete Intracellular Antioxidant.

You can find all of the formulas containing Sumac Bran at https://remedymatch.com/search?search_query=cotinus&controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&submit_search=

Sumac bran is the highest ORAC food known. That means it is a very powerful antioxidant.

Ingredient:

Sumac Bran 50:1 (Cotinus cogyria) 100 grams

The benefits of Sumac bran include:

Rich in Antioxidants: Sumac bran is packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, and other compounds. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and protect the body's cells from damage, which is associated with various chronic diseases.

Balanced Blood Sugar: Some research suggests that sumac may promote balanced blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar effectively.

Cholesterol Reduction: Sumac bran has been associated with cholesterol reduction, which may contribute to heart health. Lowering cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Sumac is known to provide anti-inflammatory effects due to its antioxidant compounds. Inflammation is a factor in many health conditions, and reducing it can promote overall well-being.

Bone Health: Sumac may help reduce bone loss. Maintaining strong and healthy bones is essential, especially as we age, to prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

Pain Relief: Sumac has been suggested to alleviate muscle pain, which can be helpful for individuals experiencing discomfort due to physical activity or muscle-related issues.

Cotinus coggygria Background

Cotinus coggygria, commonly known as the European smoketree, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, native to southern Europe and parts of Asia .

This plant is renowned for its striking appearance, characterized by billowy, plume-like flower clusters that resemble smoke, which give it its common name .

Historically, the wood of Cotinus coggygria was used to produce a yellow dye known as "young fustic," and it has been utilized in traditional medicine for its various health benefits .

The plant has gained popularity in ornamental horticulture due to its attractive foliage and unique flowering characteristics, with several cultivars developed for garden use .

Cotinus coggygria Systemic Applications

Cotinus coggygria demonstrates significant systemic applications, particularly in traditional medicine where it has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties .

Research has shown that extracts from the leaves and bark possess antimicrobial activity, making them useful in treating infections and skin conditions .

Studies indicate that Cotinus coggygria may help in wound healing, as it can reduce oxidative stress and promote tissue regeneration .

Additionally, the plant's secondary metabolites have been found to exhibit potential anticancer properties, particularly against breast and cervical cancer cell lines .

Cotinus coggygria for Brain and Cognition

While specific research on Cotinus coggygria's effects on brain health is limited, its antioxidant properties suggest potential neuroprotective benefits .

Antioxidants are known to combat oxidative stress in the brain, which is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases .

Some studies have indicated that flavonoids present in Cotinus coggygria may play a role in enhancing cognitive function by modulating inflammatory responses in neural tissues .

Further research is needed to explore these potential benefits more thoroughly.

Cotinus coggygria for Eye and Vision

The antioxidant properties of Cotinus coggygria may also extend to eye health, particularly in protecting retinal cells from oxidative damage .

Research suggests that compounds found in this plant could help mitigate conditions such as age-related macular degeneration by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the retina .

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects may support overall ocular health by alleviating symptoms of dry eye syndrome and other inflammatory eye conditions .

Relevant quotes:

"Cotinus coggygria has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties and ornamental value" 

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Cotinus coggygria extracts exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against various pathogens" - From "Antimicrobial Activity of Cotinus Coggygria Extracts"

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Antioxidant activity

2. Anti-inflammatory response

3. Antimicrobial effects

4. Wound healing

5. Potential anticancer activity

Related benefits:

1. Enhanced skin healing

2. Protection against oxidative stress

3. Support for cognitive health

4. Improved ocular health

5. Potential treatment for infections

Suggested daily human dosage ranges:

No specific dosage data found for Cotinus coggygria.

Source Information:

Botanical name: Cotinus coggygria

Common names:

1. European smoketree

2. Smoke bush

3. Young fustic

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_fustic

[2] https://jrespharm.com/uploads/pdf/pdf_MPJ_1041.pdf

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34837343/

[4] https://essences-bulgaria.com/item/1021

[5] https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=903

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8707839/

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7990461/

[8] https://greg.app/smokebush-benefits/

[9] https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=244021

[10] https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cotinus+coggygria