Black Elderberry

Author

Beyza Nur Taşkın

Marmara University, Faculty of Pharmacy

Author

Assoc. Prof. Muhammet Emin CAM

Rector Advisor, Vice Dean, and Faculty Member - Istanbul Kent University, Faculty of Pharmacy Visiting Researcher&Lecturer - University College London, Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Medicine, UK Visiting Lecturer - University of Aveiro, Portugal

"One of the most prominent features of elderberry, which carries anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, is its immunomodulatory effect."

What is elderberry?

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Is a species of plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to Asia, Europe, North Africa and the USA. It is a plant with a round shape, purple-black color, 3-5 seeds, and small fruits. The most important compounds found in elderberries, which are very rich in vitamins and minerals, are flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins. It has been used in traditional medicine for a long time due to the effects of these compounds it contains.

Elderberry’s role in health

Both the flowers and fruits of elderberry are used in traditional medicine for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. It gets its antioxidant effect, which is its most important feature, from the anthocyanins it contains in its content. Anthocyanins show anticarcinogenic, immune system programs, antiallergic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. However, there are studies that elderberry is used as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and secretolytic agent in influenza, helicobacter pylori and cardiovascular diseases.

The effect of elderberry on the immune system

One of the most prominent features of elderberry, which carries anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, is its immunomodulatory effect. By supporting the regulation of defense mechanisms in both healthy and sick living beings, the immune system is known that it is strengthened.

Elderberry's role in Covid 19

Elderberry has antiviral properties due to its ability to modulate inflammatory cytokines. Studies conducted show that elderberry is suitable for the prevention and initial treatment of viral diseases. Because there is a concern that elderberries may increase the risk of cytokine storm by overstimulating the immune system, the information we currently have is insufficient for use in Covid 19 patients.

Elderberry's role in cold and flu

The fact that elderberries contain high levels of antioxidants makes it an important point to protect against viral diseases that tire out the immune system, such as the flu. In laboratory studies conducted in this direction, it has been found that elderberry extract has potentially antiviral and antibacterial effects against pathogens that cause upper respiratory tract and influenza virus.

In another study, 60 people with flu-like symptoms were divided into two groups, and one group was given elderberry syrup, while the other group was given a placebo. It has been observed that the symptoms of the disease of the people in the group who consumed elderberry improved 4 days before the other group.

In addition, there are studies that it increases the response of the immune system and reduces the severity, duration and symptoms of colds, as well as helping to significantly reduce upper respiratory tract disorders caused by viral infections.

Should we eat plants or use food supplements?

In addition to the many benefits of the compounds contained in the plant, it is a plant whose raw fruits, leaves and stem are poisonous and can cause serious stomach problems when eaten raw. There are many food supplement products that are easily accessible from pharmacies that are frequently consumed today, both to reach the quality active ingredient and to avoid such reliability concerns. You can use these supplements as needed by consulting your physicians and pharmacists.

What forms are available as food supplements?

There are tablets, sachets, syrups, drops and chewable forms of supplement foods that have been produced in pharmacies in milligrams suitable for an individual's use by obtaining the necessary approvals.

How to use elderberry in children

There are not enough studies in children under the age of 12 for raw consumption of fruits, but syrup and jelly-style products containing elderberry extract sold in pharmacies can be used reliably from the age of 3.

How elderberry should be use in pregnant

Its use is not recommended because the studies conducted on pregnant women are not sufficient.

Can it be used with any medication

Elderberry could theoretically interact with drugs designed to suppress the immune system and therefore affect efficient work results. Elderberries can stimulate the immune system. For this reason, individuals with autoimmune disorders should not use it without a physician's recommendation. Also, due to the potential of elderberry to inhibit xanthine oxidase and affect its levels, patients taking theophylline are recommended to use it with caution.

Which foods should not be used with

It has been reported in some studies that foods rich in caffeine and anthocyanins, such as raspberries, plums, black cabbage and radishes, increase the effectiveness of elderberries; caution should be exercised when using them together.

Are there any side effects?

There are no side effects used at the recommended doses. Pollen, flowers and fruits of the plant have allergic potential. When its fruits are consumed raw or flower extract is used in high doses, it can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Toxicology of elderberry

The root, bark and leaves of elderberry contain sambunigrin, which is toxic and can lead to cyanide poisoning. 60 mg of hydrogenation (HCN) is enough to kill a person. That is why flowers containing HCN below 25 ppm are suitable for consumption. However, when subjected to heat treatment, HCN decomposes and loses its toxic effect. However, there are reports of gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and weakness in individuals who drink elderberry juice made from crushed leaves, stems or fruits of black elderberry that have not been heat treated in the literature.