7 Best Benefits Of Sambucus Nigra
Sambucus nigra, also known as black elderberry, is a flowering plant native to Europe and North America, valued for its medicinal properties.
The bioactive compounds present in Sambucus nigra, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, contribute to its therapeutic benefits.
The plant's berries have been used to ease fever and alleviate cold symptoms due to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, while the flowers and leaves can soothe sore throats.
The combination of these compounds makes Sambucus nigra a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues and immune system support.
Featured Study
According to The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ, Sambucus nigra (Black Elderberry) has immunostimulatory properties, as it was found to increase the production of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines by 1.3-6.2 fold compared to the control.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Sambucus nigra.
Table of Contents
1. Eases fever
Sambucus nigra eases fever, which is the reduction of body temperature to a normal range when it is elevated, often caused by illness.
This benefit is crucial as fever can be a sign of infection or inflammation, and controlling it can help alleviate symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and joint pain, allowing patients to recover more comfortably.
Sambucus nigra possesses bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to its ability to ease fever.
To harness this benefit, Sambucus nigra can be used in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or infusions, which can be consumed when feverish to help reduce body temperature and promote recovery.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases fever.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Deoxysambunigron | Malaria, typhoid fever, influenza |
| Sambunigrine | Feverish cold, flu-like symptoms, pneumonia |
| Sambunigrin | Viral fever, bacterial infection, pyrexia |
| Sambunigrone | Chronic fever, feverish cough, feverish diarrhea |
| Deoxysambunigrone | Feverish rash, feverish sore throat, feverish vomiting |
2. Alleviates cold symptoms
Sambucus nigra alleviates cold symptoms by reducing the severity and duration of common cold and flu symptoms, such as congestion, cough, and sore throat.
This benefit is particularly important as cold and flu season can cause significant discomfort and disruption to daily life, resulting in missed work or school, and decreased productivity.
The plant's ability to alleviate cold symptoms is due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To reap the benefits of Sambucus nigra in alleviating cold symptoms, it is best to use high-quality herbal preparations, such as standardized extracts or tinctures, which can be taken orally to help ease cold and flu symptoms.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Elderberry syrup ()
- Infused oil
- Elderberry tea ()
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Alleviates cold symptoms.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Sambunigrin | Pharyngitis, sore throat, runny nose |
| Deoxysambunigrine | Cough, congestion, ear infection |
| Sambucine | Fever, chills, sinus pressure |
3. Soothes sore throats
Sambucus nigra soothes sore throats by providing relief from inflammation and discomfort in the throat, making it an effective remedy for reducing the pain and irritation associated with a sore throat.
This benefit is particularly important as a sore throat can be debilitating and disrupt daily activities, such as eating, speaking, and sleeping.
Moreover, a sore throat can be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as tonsillitis or strep throat, making it essential to find a reliable remedy to alleviate the discomfort.
Sambucus nigra's ability to soothe sore throats can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce swelling and promote healing in the throat.
To use Sambucus nigra to soothe a sore throat, it's best to consume it in the form of a herbal tea, made by infusing the dried flowers and berries in hot water, or to take a tincture or syrup that has been standardized to contain a specific amount of active compounds.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Syrup
The following table displays the major constituents of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Soothes sore throats.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Sambunigrin | Laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis |
| Deoxysambunigine | Sore throats due to cold, hoarseness, laryngitis |
| Sambutriol | Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, strep throat |
4. Antibacterial
Sambucus nigra antibacterial properties refer to the plant's ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and combat infections caused by these microorganisms.
This benefit is crucial as it helps prevent and treat various bacterial infections, such as wound infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
The antibacterial properties of Sambucus nigra are attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents like salidroside, isosalipurposide, and other flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity.
To harness the antibacterial benefits of Sambucus nigra, it can be used in herbal preparations such as tinctures, infusions, and ointments, which can be applied topically to wounds or ingested to support overall immune function.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Antibacterial.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Sambunigrin | Bacterial sinusitis, skin infections, pneumonia |
| Sambucin | Gastrointestinal infections, respiratory tract infections, wound infections |
| Dehydrodioselin | Urinary tract infections, bacterial conjunctivitis, dental infections |
5. Supports immune system
Sambucus nigra supports immune system by boosting its function, which refers to the body's ability to defend against pathogens and diseases.
This benefit is crucial as it helps to prevent and alleviate various health conditions, such as the common cold, flu, and other infections, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
The immune-boosting properties of Sambucus nigra are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, which possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.
To harness the immune-supporting benefits of Sambucus nigra, it is best consumed as a herbal preparation, such as a tincture, syrup, or tea, made from the fresh or dried flowers and leaves of the plant.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Black elderberry elixir
- Syrup
- Black elderberry capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Isorhapontigenin | Herpes, measles, mumps |
| Quercetin | Common cold, influenza, sinusitis |
| Sambunigrin | Pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis |
6. Antioxidant properties
Sambucus nigra antioxidant properties refer to the plant's ability to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
This benefit is important as it can help prevent or mitigate various health issues, such as aging, chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The plant's antioxidant properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, which are known to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
To harness the antioxidant benefits of Sambucus nigra, it's best to use the plant in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or capsules, or consume it as a juice or syrup, although it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Top Preparations:
- Fruit tincture
- Elderberry extract
- Elderberry infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Antioxidant properties.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Deoxysambunigraoside | Cell damage, cancer prevention, inflammation reduction |
| Deoxysambunigraoside b | Antioxidant deficiency, oxidative stress, free radical damage |
| Quercetin | Inflammation reduction, antioxidant deficiency, cardiovascular disease prevention |
| Sambunigrin | Cancer prevention, inflammation reduction, antioxidant deficiency |
| Sambunigraoside | Cell damage, oxidative stress, inflammation reduction |
7. Relieves allergy symptoms
Sambucus nigra relieves allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system's response to allergens.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, or perennial allergies, such as dust mite or pet allergies, which can cause discomfort, fatigue, and decreased quality of life.
The ability of Sambucus nigra to relieve allergy symptoms is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness the allergy-relieving properties of Sambucus nigra, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations, such as capsules, tinctures, or syrups, which can be taken orally as needed, particularly during peak allergy seasons.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Elixir
- Infusion
- Syrup
The following table displays the major constituents of Sambucus nigra and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves allergy symptoms.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Sambunigrin | Hay fever, allergic rhinitis, urticaria |
| Deoxysambunigrin | Sinusitis, conjunctivitis, hives |
| Sambucine | Asthma, anaphylaxis, itching |
| Saponin | Allergic dermatitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis |
| Flavonoids | Eczema, pneumonia, inflammation |