Black elderberry, Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The different species of Sambucus are commonly called elderberry or black elder, European elder, European elderberry and European black berry. The berries and flowers of the elder plant are used as medicine.
The plant, elderberry is native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but it has become common in the U.S. It has deciduous leaves, white flowers(elderflowers) and berries that turn from green to red to black when ripe.
Sambucus nigra is the scientific name of the most common variety used for medicinal purposes and majority of the scientific research has been centered on this specie.
The history of the use of black elderberry for health and healing dates back as far as 400 BC, and Hippocrates, the “Father of medicine” called the elder tree his “medicine chest”.
It is a deciduous tree that grows up to 32 feet tall with cream-white flowers and blue-black berries. In addition to the black elderberry, there are several other varieties available as well. Some of the most common include:
- Black lace elderberry
- Red elderberry
- Adams elderberry
- Lemon lace elderberry
- Black beauty elderberry
- Blue elderberry
- York elderberry
Nutritional Contents of Black Elderberry
Elderberries are high in the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C (52.2mg/cup)
- Dietary fiber (10.2grams per cup)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Iron
- Potassium
One cup of elderberries also has:
- Carbohydrates (26.7grams)
- Fat (0.7grams)
- Protein (1gram)
Phytochemical Contents of Black Elderberry
The black elderberry flowers contain approximately 0.3% of an essential oil composed of free fatty acids and alkanes. The others that have been identified are:
- The Triterpenes (alpha- and beta- amyrin)
- Ursolic acid
- Oleanolic acid
- Betulin
- Betulinic acid and a variety of other minor components that have been identified.
The black elderberry fruit contains:
- Quercetin
- Kaempferol
- Rutin
- Phenolic acids
- Flavonoids (these have antioxidant properties)
- Anthocyanidins (compounds that are known to have immune boosting properties)
Traditional Uses of Black Elderberry
Traditionally, indigenous people used to treat fever and rheumatism, while the ancient Egyptians used it to improve their complexions and heal burns.
Indigenous people used elderberries as food by crushing the elderberries, then they would be strained and boiled into syrup or made into a jam.
They were equally used as a sweetener in various recipes. Medicinally it supported the treatment of many illnesses.
Forms and Uses of Black Elderberry
The uses of elderberry are broad and so are the forms and they include:
- Syrups
- Gummies
- Lozenges
- Pills
- Teas
It is also used in food coloring, body lotions, jams and wine. The fresh fruits are not common in American market, mostly the processed forms.
The Health Benefits of Black Elderberry
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Provides Relief for Cold and Flu
The black elderberry is known for its powerful immune boosting properties. The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which have been found to possess immunostimulant properties.
Studies show that elderberry is a safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment for the common cold and flu.
It was seen that elderberry may actually reduce the duration and severity of symptoms related to colds and influenza.
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Reduces Sinus Infection Symptoms
Elderberry has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it possible to help treat sinus issues and diseases related to respiratory health.
A sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed and the black elderberry has promising results as a sinus infection remedy.
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It Helps to Lower Blood Sugar
The elder flower and the berry have been used for long traditionally to treat diabetes.
Research has confirmed that extracts of elderflower stimulate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin, which could potentially help lower blood sugar levels.
Studies have shown that aqueous extract of elderberry significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis.
Glycogenesis is the process by which excess sugar is cleared out of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver to help maintain normal sugar.
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It Acts as a Natural Diuretic
A diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine. The elder leaves, flowers and berries were used for their diuretic properties in the rural populations as natural medicine.
The bark of the plant was used for its diuretic and slimming effects. Elderberry can be said to act as a safe natural diuretic as it has been shown to promote both urination and bowel movements to help protect against fluid retention.
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It Helps to Prevent Cancer
Edible berry extracts like elderberry extract are rich in anthocyanins and have been shown to have a broad spectrum of therapeutic, pharmacologic and anti-carcinogenic properties.
In vitro studies indicate that elderberry has some chemo preventive properties, which can help inhibit, delay or reverse cancer formation.
Black elderberry is known for its medicinal use and contains anthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenolics, which all contribute to the high-antioxidant capacity of berries.
The elderberries show potential for use as cancer-fighting food.
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It May Improve Heart Health
There are mixed results in research conducted to show that elderberry may improve heart health.
There was a study that found that elderberry extract may have beneficial effects on high blood pressure.
When polyphenols extracted from the plant were administered with renin inhibitors to rats with hypertension, they reduced arterial pressure.
The use of polyphenols to lower blood pressure may reduce the side effects of blood pressure lowering medications and improve overall quality of life.
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It May Help to Ease Allergies
The flowers of elder plant are known to be an effective herbal remedy for allergy.
Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system as well as inflammation, research suggests that the herb’s ability to improve immune function and calm inflammation can help provide allergy relief.
Elder flowers can be used alone or in combination with other herbs and natural remedies for allergies.
Elderberry syrups can be used also for colds.
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It Can be Used to Support Skin Health
Elderberry contains bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A and these make it awesome for skin health. It has been used in different cosmetic products and good results have been recorded.
Researchers also suspect that a compound found in the berry could give a natural boost to the skin.
Anthocyanin is a type of natural plant pigment found in elderberry that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some researchers suspect that this compound may improve skin’s structure and condition to enhance overall skin health.
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It Acts as a Natural Laxative
In traditional or folk medicine, the elder plant was used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It was added to herbal mixtures to improve regularity.
Some research suggests that elderberry tea benefits constipation and can help support regularity and digestive health.
In combination with several other plants, elderberries can act as an effective natural laxative for the treatment of constipation.
More research is needed to conclusively say that elderberry itself can relieve constipation.
Side Effects of Black Elderberry
The elderberry has several side effects despite the fact that it has so many health benefits. It is good to consider the side effects of such a wonderful plant.
Generally, the ripe, cooked berries from most of the Sambucus species are edible but the raw berries or other plant parts, when consumed can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
This is because of the cyanide-inducing chemical that it contains. The commercial preparations don’t cause adverse reactions when used at recommended dosages.
Occasionally, elderflowers and elderberries can cause allergic reactions. It is advisable to discontinue use if mild allergic reactions appear but if serious, seek medical attention.
Risks
- Elderberry supplement is not recommended for use in children unless you have consulted the doctor(pediatrician).
- Pregnant and nursing mothers should not use elderberry supplements as research is lacking on its effects on fetal health and development.
- Persons with autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis should ask their doctor before taking elderberry supplements because it may stimulate the immune system.
- If you have any other health concerns discuss with your doctor before taking.
Interactions of Black Elderberry with Other Drugs
Because of the bioactive components of elderberry, it elicits some pharmacological actions and therefore has the potential of interacting with other medications. Care should be taken and your medical practitioner contacted if you are on any of the following medications and will like to start using elderberry supplements or any other elder plant products:
- Medications used to lower blood sugar (diabetes medications)
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Chemotherapy
- Immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids(prednisone), and medications used to treat autoimmune diseases.
- Laxatives
- Theophylline (TheoDur)
Conclusion
The black elderberry is a wonder plant judging from its diverse health benefits and from one plant, a lot of products can be made to suit different purposes and tastes.
The black elderberry is the most researched out of all the species of elderberry available. The high antioxidant property of elderberry has made it so valuable in different aspects of the health need of man, ranging from food, cosmetics and supplements.
More research is needed to conclusively provide evidence of traditional claims of its health benefits.
Finally, you should take care not to be on elderberry supplements for a long time and always consult your doctor if you want to start using elderberry supplements and never replace your prescription drugs with elderberry supplements. Thank you!