Sambucus Nigra: Complete Medicinal Profile
Sambucus nigra, also known as the black elderberry, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, prized for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and anthocyanins.
The medicinal properties of Sambucus nigra have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the severity and duration of colds and flu, as well as exerting antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.
Sambucus nigra is commonly used in herbal preparations, such as tinctures, syrups, and teas, which can be consumed to harness its medicinal properties.
Study of the Day
According to Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, Sambucus nigra has medicinal purposes, specifically used in folk medicine.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Sambucus nigra.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Sambucus nigra is used to promote overall health and well-being, offering a range of benefits that can improve the quality of life.
This plant has been traditionally used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, such as fever reduction and congestion relief, making it a popular natural remedy during the winter season.
The health benefits of Sambucus nigra also extend to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe digestive issues, reduce swelling, and even alleviate menstrual cramps.
Additionally, it has been known to boost the immune system, improve respiratory health, and support cardiovascular health, making it a valuable addition to a holistic health regimen.
The health benefits of Sambucus nigra are listed below.
- Antimicrobial properties: Sambucus nigra has antimicrobial properties, which help to combat infections and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant properties: The plant has antioxidant properties that help to protect the body from oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell damage.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Sambucus nigra has anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms associated with various health conditions.
- Boosts immune system: The plant is known to boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off infections and diseases more effectively.
- Relieves respiratory issues: Sambucus nigra is often used to relieve respiratory issues such as colds, flu, and bronchitis due to its expectorant properties.
- Supports digestive health: The plant has been traditionally used to support digestive health, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with indigestion, bloating, and other digestive issues.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Sambucus nigra is a rich source of vitamins a, c, and e, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Here are the best health benefits of Sambucus nigra.
Actions
Sambucus nigra has a variety of therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antifungal, antiseptic, and immunomodulatory effects.
These actions primarily impact the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and immune system, showcasing its adaptogenic, nervine, and cardiotonic properties.
Additionally, it exhibits antioxidant, cytoprotective, and vasodilatory actions, further highlighting its utility in promoting overall health and wellness.
Its multifaceted properties also include anxiolytic, sedative, and expectorant actions, as well as its ability to modulate the endocrine system and improve circulation.
The therapeutic actions of Sambucus nigra are listed below.
- Antimicrobial: Sambucus nigra has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a range of microorganisms.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant's berries contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Antiviral: Sambucus nigra has been found to exhibit antiviral properties, making it effective against certain viral infections.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Expectorant: Sambucus nigra has been traditionally used as an expectorant to help relieve congestion and coughs.
- Immunomodulator: The plant has been found to have immunomodulatory properties, which can help stimulate the immune system and prevent illness.
- Nervine: Sambucus nigra has been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and relieve stress and anxiety.
Constituents
Sambucus nigra has been found to contain a wide array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as tannins and phenolic acids that possess antimicrobial and astringent properties.
The sambucus nigra plant is also rich in sesquiterpenes, such as arbutin and hesperidin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.
Additionally, it contains alkaloids like sambunigrin and sambutriol, which have been found to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, sambucus nigra contains glycosides, like sambunigrin glycoside, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as other bioactive compounds like essential oils and saponins that contribute to its medicinal properties.
The bioactive constituents of Sambucus nigra are listed below.
- Tannins: Polyphenolic compounds that provide astringency and contribute to the plant's medicinal properties
- Flavonoids: A group of plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Saponins: Compounds with soap-like properties that may have antiviral and antimicrobial effects
- Phenolic acids: Compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that may contribute to the plant's medicinal effects
- Anthocyanins: Plant pigments responsible for the plant's red or purple color that have antioxidant properties
- Quercetin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to the plant's medicinal effects
- Vitexin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to the plant's medicinal effects
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Sambucus nigra are its berries, leaves, flowers, and bark.
The berries are used to make jams, preserves, and syrups, and are also used to treat colds, fever, and respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and asthma.
The leaves and flowers are used to make teas and infusions, which are believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, and are used to treat a range of ailments, including digestive issues, skin problems, and infections.
The bark of the Sambucus nigra plant is also used to make teas and infusions, which are used to treat fever, colds, and respiratory issues, as well as to support the immune system.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Berries | Fever, diarrhea, inflammation |
| Flowers | Respiratory issues, cold, influenza |
| Leaves | Insect bites, rheumatism, wounds |
| Bark | Gastrointestinal issues, infections, menstrual cramps |
| Stems | Diarrhea, fever, infections |
Preparations
Sambucus nigra most common herbal preparations are infusions, tinctures, and syrups.
Infusions are typically used for treating sore throats, coughs, and colds, as well as for their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties to help with fever reduction and digestive issues.
Tinctures are often used for their antiviral and antimicrobial properties to help fight off infections, such as the common cold and flu, as well as for their expectorant properties to relieve congestion and coughs.
Syrups, on the other hand, are commonly used as a cough suppressant and to help soothe a sore throat, making them a popular remedy for respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and asthma.
The herbal preparations of Sambucus nigra are listed below.
- Sambucus nigra infusion: A herbal tea made from the flowers of the sambucus nigra plant, used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory issues.
- Black elderberry tincture: A liquid extract made from the sambucus nigra plant, used to treat fever, sore throats, and coughs.
- Sambucus nigra syrup: A sweet liquid made from the sambucus nigra plant, used to treat coughs, sore throats, and respiratory issues.
- Elderflower decoction: A warm liquid made from the flowers of the sambucus nigra plant, used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory issues.
- Sambucus nigra salve: A topical cream or ointment made from the sambucus nigra plant, used to treat wounds, burns, and skin irritations.
- Black elderberry oil: An essential oil made from the sambucus nigra plant, used to treat skin issues, promote relaxation, and reduce stress.
- Sambucus nigra capsules: A dry extract of the sambucus nigra plant, used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory issues, in a convenient capsule form.
Side Effects
Sambucus nigra side effects are generally mild and temporary, but can be severe in some individuals, particularly those with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches, which may be accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia.
People with pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver disease, are more likely to experience these side effects.
Precautions should be taken to avoid interactions with other medications, as sambucus nigra may exacerbate conditions like asthma, thyroid disorders, or bleeding disorders, and may also cause allergic reactions, hives, and itching.
The possible side effects of Sambucus nigra are listed below.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to sambucus nigra, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Consuming sambucus nigra may lead to stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in some individuals.
- Interactions with medications: Sambucus nigra may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications, which can cause adverse effects.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: Sambucus nigra can cause dizziness and lightheadedness due to its sedative properties.
- Headaches: Some people may experience headaches after consuming sambucus nigra, possibly due to its antihistamine effects.
- Migraines: Sambucus nigra may trigger migraines in susceptible individuals, possibly due to its ability to dilate blood vessels.
- Sleep disturbances: Consuming sambucus nigra too close to bedtime can lead to sleep disturbances, including insomnia and vivid dreams.