Elderberry

Scientific names: Sambucus Canadensis (American elder), and Sambucus nigra (European Elder)

Common names: Elderberry also is known as sweet elder, common elder, elderberry, and sambucus.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●...Little or no evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.

What is Elderberry?

The American elder is a tall shrub that grows to 12 feet. It is native to North America. The European elder grows to about 30 feet and while native to Europe, has been naturalized to the US.

What is Elderberry used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Elder flowers and berries have been used in traditional medicine and as flavorings for centuries. In folk medicine, the flowers have been used for their diuretic and laxative properties and as an astringent. Various parts of the elder have been used to treat cancer and a host of other unrelated disorders. Distilled elder flower water has been used as a scented vehicle for topical preparations and extracts are used to flavor foods, including alcoholic beverages. The fruits have been used to prepare elderberry wine.

Immunostimulant

Sambucus may strongly stimulate the immune system through inducing cytokine production in healthy individuals as well as in patients with influenza, or in other immunocompromised patients such as those with cancer or HIV. Sambucus formulations have been shown to have a strong stimulatory effect on the production of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Research reveals no clinical data at this time regarding the use of elderberry for the stimulation of the immune system.

Antiviral

Animal and laboratory data suggest that elderberry may be effective against herpes simplex virus and HIV. Clinical studies show that elderberry inhibits replication of 10 different human influenza virus strains (both A and B). Patients with influenza have recovered in 2 to 3 days in nearly 90% of the elderberry extract treated group. Interest in its role in viral infections is increasing.

Antioxidant

Dietary consumption of anthocyanin has been shown to improve overall antioxidant status of human plasma. Four anthocyanins have been isolated from elderberry extract. Anthocyanins found in the S. nigra have been shown to significantly enhance cell resistance to the damaging effects of reactive oxygen in animal studies. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of elderberry for antioxidant effects.

Lipid lowering

In a clinical study, there was only a small and statistically insignificant change in cholesterol in the elderberry-treated group compared with placebo.

Other uses

Elder flowers are considered to have diuretic and laxative properties. Some of the components in elderberry have been found to exhibit strong antihepatotoxic activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage.