Sambucus nigra

Adoxaceae

Elderberry, Black Elder, Common Elder

Therapeutic Actions

adjuvant painkiller	analgesic	antibacterial	anti-inflammatory
antidepressant	antioxidant	antipyretic	antitumour
antiviral	detoxifier	diaphoretic	diuretic
hypoglycemic	laxative

Common Uses

Cold & flu symptoms
Immune system support
Diabetes management
Painkiller (migraine, sciatica, neuralgic pains)
Digestive support

Contraindications & Safety

Do not consume if allergic
Raw or unripe parts should not be consumed due to cyanogenic glycosides
May impact immune-modulating and diabetes medication
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been conclusively established.

Primary Constituents

Primary Constituents	Other Nutrients
Polyphenols chlorogenic acid neochlorogenic acid cryptochlorogenic acid quercetin quercetin-3-rutinoside (rutin) quercetin-3-glucoside (isoquercitrin) kaempferol-3-rutinoside kaempferol-3-glucosid (astragaline), isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside isorhamnetin-3-glucoside Flavonol rutin	Sugars (glucose & fructose) Dietary fibre 16 amino acids (9 essential) Fatty acids Trace amounts of minerals Essential oils

The constituents in the berries and flowers differ from those in the leaves and stems. Leaves and stems are typically not used because they also contain the compound known to create cyanide. There are small traces in the berries that are removed during the cooking process