Sambucus nigra (Black Elderberry): Benefits and Uses
Sambucus nigra (black elderberry) is a medicinal plant with significant antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that can effectively reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. 1
What is Sambucus nigra?
Sambucus nigra, commonly known as black elderberry, European elder, or elderberry, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe but now cultivated in many parts of the world. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, with both its flowers and berries having medicinal applications.
Key Benefits of Sambucus nigra
1. Respiratory Infection Treatment
- Reduces symptom duration and severity: Clinical studies involving 936 adults show that when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, elderberry can reduce the duration and severity of common cold and influenza symptoms 1
- Symptom improvement timeline: Most adults experience significant symptom reduction (average 50%) within 2-4 days of starting elderberry treatment 1
- Specific symptoms improved: Effectively reduces fever, headache, nasal congestion, and nasal mucous discharge 1
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
- Reduces neutrophil migration and decreases inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1β, IL-6) in inflamed tissues 2
- Increases anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production 2
- Promotes resolution of inflammation through enhanced efferocytosis (clearance of dead cells) 2
3. Antioxidant Effects
- Contains high concentrations of polyphenols with potent free radical scavenging activity 3
- These antioxidant properties contribute to its therapeutic benefits 3
4. Other Potential Benefits
- Antimicrobial and antiviral properties 3
- Potential antidepressant effects 3
- Possible antitumor activity 3
- May help reduce body fat and lipid concentration 3
- Hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties 3
Clinical Evidence for Effectiveness
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that elderberry supplementation substantially reduces upper respiratory symptoms with a large mean effect size 4. This presents elderberry as:
- An alternative to antibiotic misuse for viral upper respiratory infections
- A potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of common cold and influenza 4
Formulations and Usage
Elderberry is available in various forms:
- Extracts
- Lozenges
- Dietary supplements
- Food products (juices, syrups, jams)
For respiratory infections, mono-herbal preparations of elderberry extract or lozenges have shown effectiveness when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset 1.
Safety Considerations
- Generally safe: Adverse events in clinical trials were rare with no serious events reported 1
- Pregnancy and lactation: Currently insufficient evidence to support use during pregnancy or breastfeeding 1
- Potential toxicity: Raw elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides which are potentially toxic; commercial preparations are processed to remove these compounds 3
- COVID-19: While elderberry has shown effectiveness against influenza and common cold, there is currently no evidence supporting its use for prevention or treatment of COVID-19 5, 1
Mechanism of Action
Elderberry may inhibit viral infections through several mechanisms:
- Inhibition of viral attachment to cell receptors 5
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects 2, 3
- Immunomodulatory properties that enhance immune response 2
Conclusion
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) offers a promising natural approach to managing upper respiratory infections, particularly when used early in the course of illness. Its documented antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties make it a valuable option for symptom relief of common cold and influenza. While more research is needed for specific applications and populations, current evidence supports its use as a complementary approach to conventional treatments for respiratory infections.