Adoxaceae
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
A deep purple antiviral berry for colds and flu — rich in anthocyanins and best known as a delicious syrup.
- Also known as
- Black elder, European elder
- Parts used
- Berry, Flower
- Taste
- Sour, Sweet
- Energetics
- Cooling · Neutral
- Sourcing
- Cultivated & wild
Actions
AntiviralDiaphoretic (flower)AntioxidantImmunomodulant
Traditional use
Hippocrates called elder his 'medicine chest'. In European folklore the Elder Mother guarded the tree, and permission was asked before harvesting.
Flowers were taken hot to break a fever by sweating; berries were cooked into rob and wine for winter chills.
Research
Reduces duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms
ClinicalA meta-analysis of randomized trials found substantial reduction in upper respiratory symptoms, mostly in influenza and colds.
Hawkins J et al. Complement Ther Med. 2019;42:361–365.
Key constituents
- Anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside)
- Pigments shown to block viral attachment in vitro.
- Lectins and flavonoids
- May interfere with influenza hemagglutinin.
Sourcing notes
Abundant shrub; S. canadensis (American elder) is used interchangeably.
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