Wood sorrel (scientific name: Oxalis corniculata ) is a perennial plant with heart-shaped leaves and underground bulbs, which blooms with bright yellow flowers from spring to autumn. It is widely distributed in temperate and tropical regions, including Japan, and is known as a familiar wild plant. Its leaves and stems contain water-soluble oxalates, which give it a distinctive sour taste when chewed. The English name for oxalic acid, "oxalic acid," comes from the fact that it was originally isolated from the wood sorrel plant.
The organic acids contained in the raw leaf juice, such as oxalic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, have traditionally been used to treat poisonous insects and parasitic skin problems, as they are believed to have an antagonistic effect against poison. The whole plant has also been used for anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and anti-diarrheal purposes, and there are records of it being used to maintain liver condition. A folk remedy for parasitic skin problems such as scabies and insect bites is to crush the raw leaves and apply them to the affected area.
In terms of ingredients, oxalic acid is the main ingredient, but organic acids such as citric acid and tartaric acid , flavonoids , phenolic compounds , tannins , etc. Based on these ingredients, physiological activities such as anti-inflammatory , antibacterial , antioxidant , and skin condition support have been suggested, mainly based on basic research and information on traditional use.
Characteristics of Oxalis
- Scientific name: Oxalis corniculata
- Classification: Family: Oxalidaceae, Genus: Oxalidium
- Japanese name: Oxalis nigricans (Oxalis nigricans)
- Growth form: perennial
- Characteristics: Heart-shaped leaves, yellow flowers, underground bulbs
- Distribution: Widely distributed in temperate to tropical regions
- Parts used: Whole plant, leaves (traditionally used)
Main ingredients (reported examples)
- Organic acids: oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid
- Flavonoids: Flavonoid glycosides
- Phenolic compounds: polyphenols
- Tannins: Condensed tannins
- Others: minerals, organic salts, etc.
Expected effects
- Anti-inflammatory and inflammation-supporting effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to reducing the inflammatory burden on the skin and mucous membranes by regulating inflammatory responses.
- Detoxification and defense support: The action of organic acids suggests that they may help respond to external stimuli and toxic substances.
- Supports skin condition: Its traditional use for insect bites and parasitic skin problems suggests that it may contribute to maintaining skin health.
- Intestinal regulation and digestion support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to regulating intestinal conditions during diarrhea.
- Liver condition support: Based on its traditional use, it has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining healthy liver function.
- Antibacterial and antioxidant support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to inhibiting microbial growth and reducing oxidative stress.
