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Herbs and plants

Smoke tree — a garden shrub stronger than wound ointment?

Sources: 9 · Article: 16 432 characters

Henryk Różański describes smoke tree as a remedy for diarrhea, food poisoning, skin problems, and wounds.

  • He also lists inflammation, infections, some cancers, breast fibroids, and autoimmune diseases.
  • He also writes about the possible inhibition of degenerative changes in the nervous system and atrophic and degenerative changes in the thyroid.
  • A decoction or wine can be used to wash the skin and make compresses, but only dried plant material should be taken by mouth.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

Smoke tree leaves are described as an astringent and antidiarrheal remedy that neutralizes toxins in the digestive tract and supports the healing of wounds, burns, and skin ulcers.

„In Russian folk medicine, the leaves of the common smoketree are considered a good astringent and antidiarrheal remedy that neutralizes toxins in the digestive tract and speeds the healing of wounds, burns, chafing, and skin ulcers. In the past, the plant was used in many countries to tan hides and produce black dye (for coloring wool and silk).”W rosyjskiej medycynie ludowej liście perukowca podolskiego uważane za dobry środek ściągający, przeciwbiegunkowy, neutralizujący toksyny w przewodzie pokarmowym oraz przyspieszający gojenie ran, oparzeń, odparzeń i owrzodzeń skórnych. Dawniej stosowana w wielu krajach do garbowania skór i uzyskiwania czarnego barwnika (do zabarwiania wełny i jedwabiu).
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

The listed indications include cancers of several organs, breast fibroids, food poisoning, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and viral and fungal infections.

„Indications: cancers of the prostate, intestine, stomach, and breast; breast fibroids; food poisoning, fever, autoimmune diseases (e.g. diabetes, pemphigus, chronic autoimmune nephritis, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s disease); inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin, skin and mucosal ulcers, fever, inflammation of the biliary system, hepatitis, viral infections, and fungal infections.”Wskazania: nowotwory gruczołu krokowego, jelita, żołądka, piersi; włókniaki piersi; zatrucia pokarmowe, gorączka, choroby autoimmunologiczne (np. cukrzyca, pęcherzyca, chroniczne zapalenie nerek z autoagresji, łuszczyca, choroba Hashimoto); stany zapalne błon śluzowych i skóry, owrzodzenia skórne i śluzowe, gorączka, stany zapalne układu żółciowego, zapalenie wątroby, wirusowe infekcje, zakażenia mikologiczne (grzybowe).
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

Butein is said to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects and to inhibit metastasis and the formation of breast fibroids.

„Image source: http://strawberryplants.org 3,4,2′,4′-Tetrahydroxychalcone (butein), also known as tetrahydroxychalcone, has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antifibroid effects. It inhibits cancer metastases and the invasion of cancer cells. It acts on cancers in both the G2 and M phases.”źródło obrazka: http://strawberryplants.org 3,4,2′,4′-Tetrahydroxychalcone (buteina), czyli tetrahydroksychalkon działa przeciwzapalnie, przeciwnowotworowo i przeciwwłókniakowo. Hamuje metastazy (przerzuty) nowotworowe i inwazje onkocytów. Działa na nowotwory zarówno w fazie G2, jak i M.
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

Fustin is said to protect nerve cells, including in Parkinson’s disease.

„Fustin has a protective effect on nerve cells (neuroprotective), for example in Parkinson’s disease. Indications: cancers of the prostate, intestine, stomach, and breast; breast fibroids; food poisoning, fever, autoimmune diseases (e.g. diabetes, pemphigus, chronic autoimmune nephritis, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s disease); inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin, skin and mucosal ulcers, fever, inflammation of the biliary system, hepatitis, viral infections, and fungal infections.”Fustin – fustyna – działa ochronnie na komórki nerwowe (neuroprotekcyjnie), np. w chorobie Parkinsona. Wskazania: nowotwory gruczołu krokowego, jelita, żołądka, piersi; włókniaki piersi; zatrucia pokarmowe, gorączka, choroby autoimmunologiczne (np. cukrzyca, pęcherzyca, chroniczne zapalenie nerek z autoagresji, łuszczyca, choroba Hashimoto); stany zapalne błon śluzowych i skóry, owrzodzenia skórne i śluzowe, gorączka, stany zapalne układu żółciowego, zapalenie wątroby, wirusowe infekcje, zakażenia mikologiczne (grzybowe).
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

Smoke tree flavonoids are said to block amyloid deposits in the brain and possibly inhibit the development of degenerative diseases of the nervous system.

„The flavonoid fraction of smoke tree blocks the formation of amyloid deposits in the brain, meaning it may prevent the development of degenerative and atrophic diseases of the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Fisetin induces programmed death of breast cancer cells. It also inhibits the proliferation of cervical cancer cells.”Frakcja flawonoidowa perukowca blokuje procesy wytrącania się amyloidu w mózgu, czyli może powstrzymywać rozwój chorób zwyrodnieniowych i zanikowych układu nerwowego, np. choroby Alzheimera. Fizetyna indukuje programowaną śmierć komórek raka piersi. W dodatku hamuje proliferację komórek raka szyjki macicy.
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

Smoke tree is listed among plants said to inhibit atrophic and degenerative changes in the thyroid.

„Atrophic and degenerative changes in the thyroid are also inhibited by jade plant – Crassula ovata, smoke tree – Cotinus coggygria, astragalus – Astragalus membranaceus, white campion – Melandrium album, pumpkin seed oil (1 tablespoon 2–3 times a day), corn silk – Stigma Maydis (Zea mays), and air plant – Kalanchoe pinnata.”Zmiany zanikowe i zwyrodnieniowe tarczycy hamują również grubosz jajowaty – Crassula ovata, perukowiec – Cotinus coggygria, traganek – Astragalus membranaceus, bniec biały – Melandrium album, olej dyniowy (1 łyżka 2-3 razy dziennie), znamiona kukurydzy – Stigma Maydis (Zea mays), żyworóska – Kalanchoe pinnata.
Fitoterapia choroby Hashimoto, cz. II
Henryk Różański

A decoction can be used to wash inflamed skin and mucous membranes and to make compresses; wine can also be used to wash and make compresses for wounds, burns, and ulcers.

„Divide into two portions to take during the day, preferably morning and evening. Use the decoction to wash the skin and rinse inflamed mucous membranes. It is also suitable for compresses. Smoke tree wine can also be used to wash affected areas and make compresses for burns, wounds, and ulcers.”Podzielić na dwie w ciągu dnia, najlepiej rano i wieczorem. Odwarem przemywać skórę i płukać błony śluzowe zapalnie zmienione. Nadaje się również do okładów. Także wino z perukowca można użyć do obmywania i do okładów schorzałych miejsc (oparzenia, rany, owrzodzenia).
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

Fresh plant material should not be taken by mouth; the description recommends using only dried material.

„Do not take fresh smoke tree material by mouth; use it only after drying. Preparations and dosage: Wine extract (Vinum Cotini): Moisten 1 volume part of chopped, always dried (!) leaves, or preferably whole leafy twigs, with 90% alcohol. Cover and leave for 5 minutes, then pour over 5 parts red dry wine, bring to a boil, and leave in a sealed jar for 1 month.”Nie stosować doustnie świeżego surowca z perukowca, lecz tylko po wysuszeniu. Preparaty i dawkowanie: Wyciąg na winie (Vinum Cotini): 1 część objętościową rozdrobnionych i zawsze wysuszonych (!) liści lub lepiej całych gałązek z liśćmi zwilżyć spirytusem 90%, odstawić na 5 minut pod przykryciem po czym zalać 5 częściami wina czerwonego wytrawnego, zagotować i odstawić w szczelnym słoju na 1 miesiąc.
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

Contraindications listed include use in children, leukemia, and use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

„diabetes, pemphigus, chronic autoimmune nephritis, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s disease); inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin, skin and mucosal ulcers, fever, inflammation of the biliary system, hepatitis, viral infections, and fungal infections. Contraindications: Do not use in children or in cases of leukemia. Do not give to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Eriodictyol is an anti-exudative and anti-inflammatory substance that inhibits oxidative stress and protects cells (cytoprotective).”cukrzyca, pęcherzyca, chroniczne zapalenie nerek z autoagresji, łuszczyca, choroba Hashimoto); stany zapalne błon śluzowych i skóry, owrzodzenia skórne i śluzowe, gorączka, stany zapalne układu żółciowego, zapalenie wątroby, wirusowe infekcje, zakażenia mikologiczne (grzybowe). Przeciwwskazania: nie stosować w pediatrii oraz przy białaczkach. Nie podawać kobietom ciężarnym i karmiącym. Eriodykcjol – substancja przeciwwysiękowa i przeciwzapalna, hamująca stres oksydacyjny; ochronna na komórki (cytoprotektor).
Perukowiec – Cotinus (niem. Perückenstrauch) w praktycznej fitoterapii. Perukowiec w leczeniu nowotworów.
Henryk Różański

Smoke tree is listed among substances that inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract.

„This group includes acarbose, tagatose, miglitol, inulin, chicory – Cichorium intybus L., couch grass – Triticum repens L., common soapwort – Saponaria officinalis L., bilberry – Vaccinum myrtillus L., elecampane – Inula heleniu L., Jerusalem artichoke – Helianthus tuberosus L., oak – Quercus, alder – Alnus, psyllium and blond psyllium – Plantago psyllium L. et Plantago ovata Forsskal., galls – Galla, Spanish dagger – Yucca filamentosa L., mangosteen – Cambogia gummi-gutta L. = Garcinia cambogia (Gaertn.) Desr., smoke tree – Cotinus, glucans, corn silk – Zea mays L., wakame seaweed – Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringa, common juniper – Juniperus communis L., marshmallow – Althaea officinalis L., myrrh – Commiphora molmol (Need) Engl., Chinese lantern – Physalis alkekengi L., and Japanese knotweed – Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (=Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene var. japonica).”Do tej grupy należą: akarboza – acarbose, tagatoza, miglitol, inulina, cykoria podróżnik – Cichorium intybus L., perz właściwy – Triticum repens L., mydlnica lekarska – Saponaria officinalis L., borówka czernica – Vaccinum myrtillus L., oman wielki – Inula heleniu L., słonecznik bulwiasty – Helianthus tuberosus L., dąb – Quercus, olcha – Alnus, babka płesznik i babka jajowata – Plantago psyllium L. et Plantago ovata Forsskal., galasy – Galla, juka włóknista – Yucca filamentosa L., mangostan – Cambogia gummi-gutta L. = Garcinia cambogia (Gaertn.) Desr., perukowiec – Cotinus, glukany, znamiona kukurydzy – Zea mays L., glon Wakame – undaria pierzasta – Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringa, jałowiec pospolity – Juniperus communis L., prawoślaz lekarski – Althaea officinalis L., mirra – Commiphora molmol (Need) Engl., miechunka rozdęta – Physalis alkekengi L., rdestowiec – Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (=Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene var. japonica).
Zioła przeciwcukrzycowe jako alternatywy dla leków hipoglikemicznych syntetycznych, cz. III

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 6 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 17.

In a clinical study, smoke tree flower water reduced bad breath in teenagers wearing orthodontic braces.

Aim of the study: Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Tree) Flower Water mouthwash in reducing halitosis and improving oral hygiene parameters among adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted with 30 individuals undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Results: coggygria group. The Gingival Index decreased from 2.0 to 1.3 (p < 0.001; 95% CI: -0.7 to -0.2), and the Plaque Index (PI-M) decreased from 1.6 to 1.0 (p = 0.001; 95% CI: -0.7 to -0.3). Conclusions: Cotinus coggygria mouthwash appeared to be an effective adjunct for managing halitosis and improving oral hygiene parameters in adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. No adverse effects were reported.

The Effect of Cotinus coggygria Mouthwash on Halitosis and Oral Hygiene in Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. · Dent J (Basel) 2026
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants30

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A gel containing smoke tree bark extract accelerated the healing of mouth ulcers in rats.

Aim of the study: Background/Objectives: Encouraged by the traditional use of Cotinus coggygria Scop. (European smoketree) for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and considering the limitations of current therapies for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), we aimed to develop and evaluate a mucoadhesive oral gel containing C.

Results: Moreover, it significantly accelerated ulcer contraction and achieved complete re-epithelialization by day 6. Biochemical analyses revealed reduced TBARS and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH levels in ulcer tissue, indicating enhanced local antioxidant defense. Histological evaluation confirmed early resolution of inflammation, pronounced fibroblast activity, capillary proliferation, and full epithelial regeneration in the CC group, in contrast to delayed healing and persistent inflammatory infiltration in the GB and CTRL groups. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the CC gel has potential as a natural, topical formulation with antioxidant and regenerative properties for RAS, although further studies, including clinical evaluation, are required to confirm its overall efficacy and long-term safety.

Oral Gel Formulation of Cotinus coggygria Scop. Stem Bark Extract: Development, Characterization, and Therapeutic Efficacy in a Rat Model of Aphthous Stomatitis. · Pharmaceutics 2025
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Smoke tree extract reduced damage and inflammation markers in the colons of rats.

Aim of the study: In traditional medicine, many medicinal plants are used in the treatment of various diseases caused by inflammation. The objective of the present study is to elucidate for the first time the effects of Cotinus coggygria (CC) ethanol extract (CCE) on colonic structure and inflammation of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

Results: Histological research results support biochemical analysis. CCE exhibited significant antioxidant against ABTS radical. Also, CCE was found to have a high content of total polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide evidence that CCE might be benefit as a promising novel therapy in the treatment of UC in humans due to high polyphenol content and justify the use of CC in folkloric medicine for treatment of inflamed diseases.

Cotinus coggygria Scop. Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats by Regulation of Inflammatory Mediators. · Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Marmara Üniversitesi
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In rats, smoke tree extract and the myricetin it contains reduced liver and DNA damage caused by a toxic compound.

Aim of the study: The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the methanol extract of Cotinus coggygria Scop. in rats exposed to the hepatotoxic compound pyrogallol.

Results: As measured by the decrease in total score and tail moment, the DNA damage in liver was also reduced by the extract and by myricetin. Our results suggest that pro-surviving Akt activity and STAT3 protein expression play important roles in decreasing DNA damage and in mediating hepatic protection by the extract. These results suggest that myricetin, as a major component in the extract, is responsible for the antigenotoxic and hepatoprotective properties of the methanol extract of C. coggygria against pyrogallol-induced toxicity.

Methanol extract from the stem of Cotinus coggygria Scop., and its major bioactive phytochemical constituent myricetin modulate pyrogallol-induced DNA damage and liver injury. · Mutat Res 2013
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review of preclinical studies indicates that smoke tree may support wound healing and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Aim of the study: The smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) is a historically known medicinal plant from Southeast Europe. Its ethnomedicinal use in skin and mucosal lesions is commonly accepted across countries.

Results: The latter is a comprehensively studied species used in Asian phytotherapy, with whom the European smoketree shares a consistent pool of secondary metabolites. The comparative approach aims to open new perspectives in the research of smoketree and anticipates an optimized use of C. coggygria in therapy. It also points out the relevance of a chemosystematic approach in the field of medicinal plants research.

Integrating Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Cotinus coggygria and Toxicodendron vernicifluum: What Predictions can be Made for the European Smoketree? · Front Pharmacol 2021
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In laboratory studies, smoke tree extract showed strong antioxidant activity and inhibited tyrosinase and collagenase.

Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of dichloromethanic, methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of seventeen different selected Balkan medicinal herbs with ethnopharmacological interest, with the goal of identifying the most bioactive candidates for further investigation of their therapeutic efficacy in human diseases.

Results: The study aimed to assess the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of these extracts under acute inflammatory conditions. The methanolic extract of Cotinus coggygria proved the most active, significantly reducing paw edema by 34% compared to the non-treated control, indicating a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and supporting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic relevance. The results of this study indicate that several selected herbal extracts exhibit notable pharmacological activities. Given their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and inhibitory properties against enzymes related to skin function, these extracts warrant further in vivo and (pre)clinical investigation for potential use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products targeting skin disorders associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.

Exploring the Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Skin-Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Balkan Ethnomedicinal Herbs Through In Vitro and In Vivo Screening. · Molecules 2026
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studylaboratory study (on cells)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

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