Sambucus nigra,Black elder,Elderberry and its narration literature.

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   Basic Botanical Data of Elderberry:
 

 Botanical: Sambucus Nigra,Sambucus canadensis
 Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
 Official Latin Name: Sambucus nigra
 Scientific Name:Sambucus canadensis L. (American elder) and Sambucus nigra L. (European elder)
 Parts Used: inner bark, Dried flowers, berries, leaves
 German = Holunder, French = Sureau, Spanish = Sauco, Italian = Sambreo
 See Also: American elder, American red elder, black elder, black elderberry,

 Synonym: Black elder; European elder; Pipe tree; Bore Tree; Hylantree; Eldrum; American Elderberry, Sweet Elderberry,Sambucus cerulea var. mexicana, Sambucus orbiculata, Sambucus mexicana, Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus simpsonii
 

 Other Possible Synonyms:S. canadensis var. laciniata[B,P] S. canadensis var. submollis[B,P] S. cerulea var. mexicana[B,P] S. mexicana[B,C,P] S. nigra ssp. canadensis[B,CPHOTO,CAL,CAL,P] S. orbiculata[B,P] S. simpsonii[B,P]
 Related To: Sambucus canadensis (American Elder; Common Elder) Sambucus racemosa (Red Elder) Sambucus ebulus (Dwarf Elder; Blood Elder)

 Common Names: Elderberry,Autum-Flowering Elder, sweet elder,Black-Berried Elder,Bore Tree, common elder, sambucus, American elder, European elder,Black Elder, Common Elder, Elderberry, Rob Elder,Sweet Elder, blue elder, blue elderberry, bourtree, bush, common elder, danewort, dwarf elder, elderberry, European elder, European red elder, genus Sambucus, red-berried elder, Sambucus, Sambucus caerulea, Sambucus canadensis, Sambucus ebulus, Sambucus nigra, Sambucus pubens, Sambucus racemosa, shrub, stinking elder, sweet elder

 Other Common Names: American Elder [H,S,E ], American Elderberry [DEN1 ], Amerikaanse Vlier [D ], Amerikan Murveri [E ], Common Elder [L ], Elder [E ], Elder, American [S ], Elderberry [E ],
 

 

 Basic Botanical Data of Elderberry:
 Plant Parts Introduction of Elderberry:
 Botanical Description of Elderberry:
 Habitat of Elderberry:
 History of Elderberry:
 Chemistry and Pharmacology of Elderberry:
 Phyto-chemicals of Elder Berry:
 Medicinal Constituents of Elderberry:
 Medicinal Uses of Elderberry Plant Part:
 Medicinal Uses of Elderberry:
 Edible Uses of Elderberry:
 Other Uses of Elderberry:
 Magical Uses of Elderberry:
 Therapeutics and Pharmacology of Elderberry:
 Most Common Dosage Standardization:
 Other Application Tips of Elderberry:
 Research Update:Sambucus nigra or Elderberry

 

   Plant Parts Introduction of Elderberry:

 Leaf: Opposite, pinnately compound, with 5 to 11 elliptical, serrate leaflets. Leaves are 4 to 11 inches long. The bottom leaflets are often 3-lobed.

 Flower: Small, white, borne in dense, flat-topped clusters, up to 8 inches across. Appearing June to July.

 Fruit: Small, berrylike drupe, purple-black, and very juicy, up to 1/4 inch in diameter, borne in flat-topped clusters. Maturing in July to September.

 Twig: Stout, yellow-gray with obvious, warty lenticles. The pith is white, large and continuous. Buds are very small, red-brown and pointed. The terminal buds are mostly lacking.

 Bark: Smooth and brown becoming furrowed and rough with age.

 Form: A large shrub or small tree often with multiple stems that are spreading or arching. The trunk is usually short.
 

 

   Botanical Description of Elderberry:

 Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is a medium to large shrub in the Caprifoliaceae, or honeysuckle, family. It is clonal forming and produces dense thickets when it is in its preferred habitat. It reaches a height of 15 feet at maturity and becomes tree-like in stature.

 The branches are weak and tend to be arching, especially when they are heavy with fruit.

 Its preferred habitat is wet hammocks, shallow ponds, stream banks, margins of swamps, and disturbed sites. It can be grown in the home landscape with a little extra watering. Don Robinson grows elderberry in the sandhills of Spring Hill and has it attain almost champion size. So don't be afraid to try it in locations other than its preferred habitat.

 Its leaves are opposite and pinnately compound. The leaflets are toothed and found in numbers of 5-9. The lower leaves may be trifoliate.
 

 The small white flowers are born in flat topped clusters. They tend to bloom all year, but their peak blooming time seems to be summer. The flowers are edible and can be used in pancakes, fritters, and cornbread once the stems are removed.

 The small black berries hang in clusters, and are eaten by birds and mammals. They are eaten by humans as well, and are used for making pies, jellies, jams, and wines. They can also be used as a substitute for raisins in bread pudding recipes. The berries should be cooked before ingesting.

 The European Elder (Niger) has light brown bark near the bottom of the stem which turns to a whitish grey near the top, with the bark appearing to be torn. The leaves as opposite, odd-pinnate with oval, dark green leaflets. From June to July the elder puts forth cymes of creamy yellowish flowers which develop into berries that grow from green to red-brown to deep black.

 The American Elder (Canadensis) bark is a musk- scented yellowish to grey color. The leaves are opposite, pinnate with lance oval-shaped serrated leaves. It's white flowers appear as early as May through July, turning into deep purple wine-colored berries from August on.
 

 The Dwarf Elder (Ebulus) has a creeping root-stock producing stiff, erect grooved stems with odd-pinnate leaves and serrated leaflets. The flowers are white but tinged with a hint of reddish-purple glow and appear from June to August. The berries are a shiny black with tiny seeds.

  Doctrine of Signatures:  The branches of the young plant can be hollowed out and sometimes are already hollow tubes. This corresponds to the tubes in the body such as blood vessels and pores of the skin. So the elder helps to open up clogged tubes and pores of the skin. It is particularly helpful to the tubes in the respiratory system, and for those who wake up gasping for breath. The tubules of the kidney system are assisted by the diuretic action of elder, and by cleansing of the kidneys swellings in ankles and legs can be decreased. The flowers assist the skin, blood, lungs, liver, bladder and kidneys.


   Habitat of Elderberry:
 

 The European Elder grows throughout Europe and the British Isles, very often appearing in hedges. It may grow as a small tree reaching only 10 to 30 feet in height and preferring moist, shaded places. It has been found in prehistoric sites in Italy and Switzerland, and today can be found among sacred sites in Israel such as the synagogus at Safed and in the archdiocesan yards of the old cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

 The American Elder is a Native American shrub, also preferring damp areas and waste places of central and eastern United States. It reaches only as high as about 12 feet or so, and was extremely popular among Native Americans for many ailments.

 The Dwarf Elder is a herbaceous shrub growing in small colonies in the eastern and central part of the United States.

 

   History of Elderberry:

 Evidence of the elder tree has been traced back to the stone age village sites in Italy and Switzerland. It has a history of myth and magic as well as healing. The shrub was said to be a haven for lost spirits and medieval people refused to cut it down or burn it. Hippocrates mentioned the elder as an early purgative and Pliny mentions it's use by the Romans as well. "Elder" comes from the Anglo-Saxon word 'aeld' which meant 'fire' as the hollowed out stems were used to blow up a fire, and the hollowed out tubes were also used to fashion early pipes, giving it the name of "Pipe Tree."

 Shakespeare refers to the elder in "Cymbeline" as a symbol of sadness and grief, yet for the English it forms one of the prettiest hedgerows and it's varied early medicinal use has made it a tree they welcome into their countryside.

 There are many references to the elder being the tree Judas used to hang himself from, and one of it's names is the "Judas Tree." Other historical accounts say the Cross of Calvary was made of elder wood, hence linking it to sorrow and death. Yet with all of the tales of sorrow attached to this amazing tree it regenerates into a medicinal wonder.

 

   Chemistry and Pharmacology of Elderberry:

 Elder flower contains flavonoids (up to 3%) composed mainly of flavonol glycosides (astragalin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and rutin up to 1.9%) and free aglycones (quercetin and kaempferol); minerals (8?%), mainly potassium; phenolic compounds (approx. 3% chlorogenic acid); triterpenes (approx. 1%) including a- and b-amyrin; triterpene acids (approximately 0.85% ursolic and oleanolic acids); sterols (approx. 0.11%); volatile oils (0.03?.3%) composed of approx. 66% free fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, and palmitic acids) and approximately 7% alkanes; mucilage; pectin; plastocynin (protein); sugar; tannins (Bradley, 1992; Leung and Foster, 1996; List and Hˆrhammer, 1973!=1979; Newall et al., 1996; Wichtl and Bisset, 1994).

 Diaphoretic and increased bronchial secretion activity reported.
 

 The British Herbal Compendium reported diaphoretic and diuretic actions (Bradley, 1992). The mechanism of action is not fully understood. Its flavonoids and phenolic acids may contribute to the diaphoretic effect (Bradley, 1992). It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and diuretic actions in in vitro studies. The flavonoids and triterpenes appear to be the main biologically active constituents (Newall et al., 1996).

 Constituents: Flowers: up to 3% flavonoids (including rutin, isoquercitrine and kaempherol), phenolic acids, triterpenes, triterpene acid, sterols, the hydrocyanic glycoside sambunigrine, traces of semi-solid yellow volatile oil, mucilage and tannins, sugar, 8-9% minerals (especially potassium), small quantity of essential oil (containing palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acids). Berries: Invert sugar, fruit acids, pectin, tannin, vitamin C, vitamin A, bioflavonoids, anthrocyanic pigments, traces of essential oil. Leaves: triterpenes, cyanogenetic glycosides (sambunigrin), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), fats, fatty acids, sugars, alkanes, tannins, vitamins, resins. Bark: phytohaemagglutinins, alkaloid (sambucine), resin, viburnic acid, volatile oil, fat, wax, chlorophyll, tannic acid, gum, starch, pectin
 

 Analytically speaking, the fragrance of elder flowers is very complex. One easily recognizes several notes working together. Headspace analysis has revealed some unusual odorants. The two most important are characterized in the following way by a professional fragrance chemist (Paul Johnson):
 

 Hotrienol: "It has a fine lindenblossom note with aspects of violet leaf and hints of melon."

 Isoleucin methyl ester: "Very powerful and highly pitched odour, curiously displaying a multitude of fragrance notes. The amine-like character is supplemented by orris-like, nut-like, licorice-like and tobacco-like notes with a hint of natural musk undertone"

 

   Phyto-chemicals of Elder Berry:

 Flavonoids ( rutin, quercetin ), terpenes, sambunigrin, sambucine, chlorogenic acid
 Western Properties Diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, alterative, anti-mucus
 Notes Used for colds and flu, excess mucus, sinusitis, hayfever, fever

 Leaves are toxic internally, but are used externally for anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and healing action ( minor burns, sunburns, swelling )

 The fruits of Common Elderberry are a kind of berry called a drupe. The drupes are small and black (or dark purple). Many birds eat them, including: Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay, Eastern Kingbird, European Starling, Eastern Phoebe, American Robin, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, woodpeckers, and Tufted Titmouse. White-footed Mice also eat them.
 Eastern Cottontails and Woodchucks eat the bark. White-tailed Deer it leaves and twigs.Elderberries are concentrated sources of anthocyanins, potent purple pigments that appear to benefit health in a number of ways.

  Nutrients (Per 100 grams) (Berries).
 

 

   Medicinal Constituents of Elderberry:

 Bark: the active constituent of the bark is a soft resin and a Viburnic acid which is very similar to Valeric acid. There are also traces of wax, fat, gum, albumen, chlorophyll, tannic acid, grape sugar, starch and pectin.

 Leaves: contain the alkaloid sambucine which is a strong purgative resin and a glucoside sambunigrin. A fresh leaf has about .16% hydrocyanic acid; cane sugar; potassium nitrate; and a crystalline known as eldrin.

 Flowers: the most notable constituent is a bit of semisolid volatile oil obtained by distillation and used in mixing medicines, especially eye and skin lotions. It is gently stimulating and mildly astringent.

 Roots: all sources agree the roots are extremely toxic and not to be used.


   Medicinal Uses of Elderberry Plant Part:
 

  Bark:  Bark may be given for epilepsy,a strong purgative and in large doses has emetic action; as an early diuretic for renal and heart conditions; to assist with epilepsy. An emollient ointment from the inner green bark and a homeopathic tincture made from the fresh inner bark relieves asthma complaints and may assist with croup.
 

  Leaves:  Leaves can be applied to bruises and sprains,used in ointments for bruises, sprains, chillblains, and as an emollient for wounds. They are also purgative, diuretic, expectorant, and diaphoretic. Bruised leaves yield a juice that drives away flies and aphids. Dried leaves will drive away moles when places in their tunnels.
 

  Flowers:  as stated the flowers are used in pharmaceutical preparations. Strangely enough when the flowers are prepared in a 10% salted solution their fragrance becomes agreeable and they are suited for popular "Elder flower water" a base used in medicines. They are also used for bronchial and pulmonary problems and to promote expectoration in pleurisy. They have a gentle laxative action and are one of the best preparations to induce free perspiration. In fact Dr. Shook used elder flowers and peppermint together to induce sweating of toxins from the body, preventing pneumonia in soldiers on the battlefields. This method is still used today by herbalists, and other combinations include elder and yarrow, or hyssop, or boneset in cases of influenza. Tea from elder flowers is often taken as a spring medicinal for purification of the blood. Formentations made from the flowers help with pain and inflammation, as well as headaches from colds. Elder flower vinegar is an old remedy for sore throat. Ointments made from Flowers:Flowers can be used in alcoholic drinks and in elderflower water for skin and eyes. They may also treat colds, sore throats, hay fever, and arthritis.the flowers help wounds, burns and is an old remedy for chillblains and chapped skin.
 

  Berries:  Berries can be used in portlike wine, jams, and pies,should always be cooked and are used primarily in wines and syrups. They have aperient, diuretic and emetic properties and the juice of the berries has been used successfully to treat rheumatism and syphillis. Elderberry wine taken at night will produce perspiration and clear out toxins and will assist in ailments with mucous build-up; early colds, coughs, and sore throats, as well as asthma. A favorite recipe adds a bit of cinnamon to the nightly wine.
 

  Roots: Roots may treat lymphatic and kidney ailments.

 In Addition:The elderberry shrub may yield green, violet and black dyes.The elder is truly it's own medicine cabinet and should you be lucky enough to own one or to have access to one you are among the privileged and fortunate to have a natural pharmacy nearby.

 

   Medicinal Uses of Elderberry:

 Antiinflammatory; Aperient; Birthing aid; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emetic; Expectorant; Laxative; Purgative; Stimulant.

 American elder was widely employed as a medicinal herb by many native North American tribes who used it to treat a wide range of complaints. It is still commonly used as a domestic remedy.
 

 A tea made from the inner bark and root bark is diuretic, emetic and a strong laxative. A tea made from the root bark is used to promote labour in childbirth and in treating headaches, kidney problems and mucous congestion. The inner bark is also applied as a poultice to cuts, sore or swollen limbs etc in order to relieve pain and swelling.
 A poultice of the leaves is applied to bruises and to cuts in order to stop the bleeding.
 An infusion of the leaf buds is strongly purgative.
 

  Medicinal virtues: The bark, leaves, flowers and berries all have medicinal properties. The first shoots to appear, boiled like Asparagus, and also the young leaves and stalks boiled in fat broth, carry forth phlegm and choler.

 The middle or inward bark boiled in water and given in drink works much more violently. The berries, either green or, dry, expel the same humour. They are also often given with good success to help the dropsy. The bark of the root boiled in wine, or the juice thereof drank, is more powerful than the leaves or fruit.

 The juice of the root causes vomiting and purges the watery humours of' the dropsy. A decoction of the root mollifies the hardness of the mother, if women sit thereon, and opens their veins and brings down their courses. The berries boiled in wine perform the same effect. The juice of the green leaves applied to hot inflammations of the eyes assuages them. The decoction of the berries in wine provokes urine.

 The leaves or flowers distilled in the month of May and the legs washed with it takes away ulcers and sores. The hands washed with it helps the shaking of them and the palsy.
 

 Elder flowers are stimulant, diaphoretic and diuretic. A warm tea of the flowers is stimulant and induces sweating, taken cold it is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of fevers and infant colic. An infusion of the leaves and flowers is used as an antiseptic wash for skin problems, wounds etc.

 The fresh juice of the fruit, evaporated into a syrup, is laxative. It also makes a good ointment for treating burns when mixed with an oily base. The dried fruit can be made into a tea that is useful in the treatment of cholera and diarrhoea.

 Some caution should be exercised if using any part of the plant fresh since it can cause poisoning.
 

  Antioxidant activity:

 Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsilitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

 Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitaman A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test tube studies these flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage.

 The wide range of medicinal benefits (assistance in treating colds, flu and asthma, allergies, diabetes and weight loss) is possibly due to the elderberry¡¯s high anti-oxidant properties and capacity to build the immune system.
 

  Immune system:

 Elderberries were listed in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs as early as 1985, and are listed in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever. In Israel, Hasassah's Oncology Lab has determined that elderberry stimulates the body's immune system and they are treating cancer and AIDS patients with it. The wide range of medical benefits (from flu and colds to debilitating asthma, diabetes, and weight loss) is probably due to the enhancement of each individual's immune system.

 At the Bundesforschungsanstalt research center for food in Karlsruhe, Germany, scientists conducting studies on Elderberry showed that elderberry anthocyanins enhance immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease. Further research indicated that anthocyanins found in elderberries possess appreciably more antioxidant capacity than either vitamin E or vitamin C.
 

  Inhibits the influenza virus:Anti-viral activity.

 Historically, both elderflowers and elderberries were considered to assist in building immune system resistance and to assist in the prevention of colds and flu.Elderberry fruit has been used for 2,500 years by people with influenza, coughs and colds. The berry provides a natural source of vitamins C, B1, B2 and B6, as well as fruit acids, anthocyanic pigments and several minerals. It is highly prized as an immune-system booster.

 A recent Norwegian study has shown that elderberry juice (Sambucus nigra) not only stimulates the immune system, but also directly inhibits the influenza virus. The trials used the juice of the berries, made into a syrup, and was considered effective in most of the same conditions as the elderflower tea.
 

 The active ingredients in the elderberry were found to halt the spread of the virus by disarming the enzyme responsible for attacking the cell walls of a healthy organism. The study, which was reported in The Journal of International Medical Research, showed that on average, flu patients given the elderberry extract recovered within 3.1 days compared to 7.1 days for those given the placebo. As proof that elder has more to it than the enzyme-neutralizing constituents, researchers found that the patients who took it also had higher levels of antibodies against the flu virus.

 A previous study published by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that nearly 90 per cent of flu patients given elderberry extract were completely free of symptoms within two to three days, as compared to at least six days with a placebo.

 Elderberry has been proven effective against eight different influenza viruses. The study indicated that it may provide protection against a wide range of flu viruses, solving the perennial problem of the "mutating flu", because most strains of the virus use the same enzyme mechanism to penetrate cells. Elder preparations may be superior to flu shots for another reason: 50% of people who get vaccinated report side effects. Whilst the properties of elders have long been touted, it is not intended that it be taken as a substitute for a flu vaccine.

 An Israeli study on the anti-viral activity of elderberry extract found that in vitro elderberry extract inhibited replication of a number of strains of influenza A and B in cell cultures. In the same paper, administration of elderberry extract to 27 patients with influenza shortened the duration of flu symptoms.
 

  Relief upper respiratory infections:Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNAs)

 Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory infections. Laboratory studies have shown that elderberry reduces excessive sinus mucus secretion, and some studies also suggest that elderberry can help lessen swelling of mucous membranes, improve sinus drainage, and decreased nasal congestion in those with bacterial sinusitis. The combination herbal product Sinupret, which contains elder flowers, has been used successfully to treat bronchitis. There are also commercial syrups and lozenges with elderberry extract available for treatment of cold or flu symptoms.

 Elderberry has been shown to be very effective against at least eight strains of flu virus. It contains Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNAs), which help prevent some types of flu from infecting healthy cells. A clinical trial of elderberry found that it cured 90 percent of flu infections in three days, which was half the time needed for recovery in participants taking a placebo. In Israel, where the study was conducted, elderberry is sold in the form of Sambucol, a patented herbal medicine recommended for treatment of flu symptoms.

  Elderberry extract may kill the avian flu virus, specifically Sambucol:
 

 Dr Madeleine Mumcuoglu, the Israel-based developer of Sambucol, said the good results confirmed her earlier findings on the product, which is currently marketed around the world as a natural supplement for fighting common flu. ...

 "But I'm very happy with these results, especially as the work was done by Dr John Oxford, a reputable specialist in flu,"she added.

 Dr Mumcuoglu stressed that the results could in no way demonstrate a benefit for humans infected with the bird flu strain that has killed more than 70 people, mostly in South East Asia, since the outbreak began in 2003. Nor will she be able to test it in a human trial.

 But she is looking into starting an animal trial using ferrets, which have similar flu symptoms to humans.

 I can personally attest to how well elderberry syrup works; when I got the flu last week--and it was the real flu, not what most of us call the flu--I got rid of it in less than a week by taking elderberry syrup (specifically Sambucol but elderberry syrup in general is a Good Thing) and oregano spirits, and John and the kids didn't get it from me because I dosed them with Sambucol every time I dosed myself.

 What makes me especially alert about this study, though, is that avian flu can kill the young and strong by creating what's called a "cytokine storm"; basically the immune system is revved up to the point of killing its owner. Elderberry syrup usually works by boosting the immune system, which isn't such a good idea in this case.

 But if elderberry syrup is actually anti-viral, not just immune-boosting, that's extremely good news. As an herbal student I've been researching anti-virals in case of pandemic; if a pandemic does hit, the medical system is going to be overwhelmed and we'll all need whatever help we can get for ourselves and our families, friends and neighbors. I've been putting my hopes in kimchi (shown in South Korea to be effective against bird flus) and turmeric (a traditional anti-viral), but if further trials on elderberry continue to be promising, I'll be a lot more optimistic if we find ourselves out on our own. Meanwhile, I'm planting two more elderberry bushes in our yard this year--it's that valuable a plant, bird flu or no bird flu.
 

  Oxidation of LDL cholesterol:Cardiovascular protection

 Studies at Austria's University of Graz found that elderberry extract reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is implicated in atherogenesis, thus contributing to cardiovascular disease.

 At the scientific heart of the elderberry boom, Doctors Werner Pfannhauser and Michael Murkovic at Austria's University of Graz have found that elderberry extract reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is implicated in atherogenesis, thus contributing to cardiovascular disease.

  Psychic influence:
 

 From time beyond memory, magic, myth, and tradition have gathered about the elderberry and endowed it with a psychic influence that in some parts of the world rivals its medicinal value. The belief that the elder was the wood on which Jesus was crucified and that Judas hanged himself from an elder branch made the plant a symbol of grief and death. Mrs. Grieve writes in A Modern Herbal,"an old custom among gypsies forbade them using [elder] wood to kindle their campfires, and gleaners of firewood formerly would look carefully through the faggots lest a stick of elder should have found its way into the bundle...one sometimes comes across a hedge-cutter who cannot bring himself to molest the rampant growth of its spreading branches for fear of being pursued by ill-luck." In Europe, rural folk asked permission of dryads and witches for the use of elder.
 

  Natural antineuralgic and relief neuralgia:

 Elderberry wine contains natural medicinal benefits, a remedy for colds and flu, sore throats, and asthma as well as rheumatism. In Mrs. Grieve's A Modern Herbal, we read that adding elderberry juice to port and red wines to make cheap pseudo-claret and Bordeaux was common practice for centuries in Britain and Europe. The usual ratio of three parts elderberry juice to one part wine or port caused such a loss of business for the Portuguese port makers that in the eighteenth century the cultivation of elderberry plants in Portugal was forbidden. The practice of adulterating wine and port with elderberry juice continued, however. In the late nineteenth century, an American sailor in Prague told a doctor that his bouts with intoxication from "old dark-red port" cured his rheumatic pains. The doctor investigated the properties of the elderberry-enhanced port and found that the natural antineuralgic qualities of the fruit juice provided relief from the pain of sciatica and other kinds of neuralgia.

  Stress reduction:
 

 Austrian endocrinologist Dr. Sepp Porta uses elderberry concentrate in stress studies. "We only gave these people the elderberry for 10 days," he notes. "We put them through typical stress tests, all the usual physical challenges, and the results were so remarkable, I checked them over and over."In the study, various bio-markers of stress, including glucose, magnesium and other plasma chemical levels, were analyzed.
 

  Elderberry skin care benefits:

 A new study will be undertaken in the UK later this year to discover the nutritional benefits of elderberry fruit to the skin.Researchers from the University of East Anglia will explore whether the skin's condition is improved when exposed to a compound, anthocyanin, that give the berries their colour.

 Led by Professor Aedin Cassidy from the university and Dr Paul Kroon of Food Research, the 12-week trial is based on oral application of the elderberry fruit, with participants either consuming extracts of the berry, or placebo capsules in order to assess whether the berry would be useful as a skin care application on the cosmetics market.

 "If the results of our study are positive, it may lead to innovations in skin health products and may also give us vital information about diets which promote healthier hearts," said UEA's Dr Peter Curtis who is leading the project.

 Post-menopausal women will have their skin structure and appearance measured with state-of-the-art equipment used by skin care experts, while at the same time being monitored to assess whether the elderberry extract could reduce risk factors for heart disease.

 "We already know that a healthy diet can help protect against heart disease and skin damage, and that a mixture of similar food components have been shown to improve the skin's structure. There is also evidence that the active components have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be important in helping people stay healthy," Curtis said.

 The fruit ingredient trend has remained strong within natural and organic cosmetic manufacturing, with many companies launching product ranges incorporating fruit extracts.

 An unprecedented number of cosmetic products, from facial colour cosmetics to skin care lines, have been launched that incorporate fruit extracts - benefiting from the natural anti-oxidant properties they contain.

 Now even self-tan/sun care manufacturers are picking up on the trend, indicative of the fact that things appear to have gone full circle in the industry, while increasing the prevalence of the natural and organic sector in the cosmetics market.

 With market research company Organic Monitor estimating that the European market for natural and organic products is currently growing at 20 per cent a year, and set to surpass a value of €1bn, the trend for fruit extracts should serve to help take these figures to new heights.

  Benefits of Elderberry Wine:
 

 The elderberry has a rich history dating back many, many years. Ancient Egyptians applied the flowers of the elderberry plant to heal burns. Early Indian tribes used elderberries in teas and other beverages. In the 17th century, the British began making elderberry wine. They claimed it could cure the common cold and would prolong your life.

 Elderberries can be used in pies, pancakes, muffins, jam and jelly. Unripe berries and all parts of the elder plant are somewhat toxic and can cause nausea when eaten.

 Recent research shows that elder builds up the immune system and directly inhibits the influenza virus. Elder contains an enzyme that smoothes the spikes on the outside of the virus, which the virus uses to pierce through cell walls. Elderberries have also been recommended in cases of bronchitis, sore throat, coughs, asthma, colds and constipation.

 Elderberry extracts, syrups and lozenges are available over the counter to build the immune system, ward-off illness and to fight colds and flu...but drinking elderberry wine sounds a little more enticing to me. On my last trip to Pennsylvania, I bought my mother a bottle of elderberry wine. I'm hoping that my source was right, and next time she feels the flu coming on, a glass of wine will do the trick...at least it couldn't hurt to try.
 

  Pharmacology:

 The flowers are the source of an essential oil that has a buttery consistency because it contains palmitic and other fatty acids, and alkanes The leaves and seeds contain cyanidin glycosides. Over compounds have been extracted from elder, including triterpenes, glycosides (e.g., sambucin, sambucyanin, sambunigrin), various anthocyan ins, flavonoids, sterols, and lectins. The lectins have been shown to have antiviral and hemagglutinin properties in vitro. Laboratory studies suggest that elder flowers have anti-inflammatory effects, and animal models indicate that elder preparations may protect the liver against toxins. Clinical experience in Germany suggests elderberry (or elderberry-containing products) may have mulecretory properties.
 

  Mechanism:

 Elderberry constituents neutralize the activity of the hemagglutinin spikes found on the surface of several viruses. When these hemagglutinin spikes are deactivated the viruses can no longer pierce cell walls or enter the cell and replicate. Based on these findings, Sambucol[R], a syrup containing 38-percent standardized extract of black elderberry, was developed. Numerous studies using the Sambucol preparation have shown it to neutralize and reduce the infectivity of influenza viruses A and B, HIV strains and clinical isolates, and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strains and clinical isolates.It probably does so in the same manner as with influenza viruses, via neutralization of the virus resulting in reduced infectivity.
 

  Clinical Trials:

 The clinical value of elder flowers and fruits has been clearly demonstrated, and no individual component has shown to have specific clinical value. However, elder's use in harbal mixtures has been evaluated in several controlled clinical. An elderberry combination product, Sinupret (elder flowers ,ombined with gentian root, primrose flowers, sourdock, and very, has been evaluated for upper respiratory infections in several ontrolled clinical trials in Germany, and some benefit has been t lemonstrated in sinusitis and bronchitis. Sinupret was compared to placebo in four double-blind clinical trials for sinusitis of 1- to 2-week duration. Two small trials (n = 31 and 39) reported benefits in headache symptoms and sinus x-rays, and a larger study of patients also reported significant improvement in x-rays vs. placebo (87% vs. 70%) and in self-rating of symptoms (96% vs. 75%). However, a separate trial of patients with chronic sinusitis found little symptomatic difference between Sinupret and placebo.

 In several studies, Sinupret has been compared to established mucokinetic drugs, including acetylcysteine and ambroxol (de-rived from the Ayuverdic herb, vasaka) for patients with acute bronchitis. Similar clinical benefits were shown, and there was equivalent improvement in mucociliary clearance In an observational study involving over 300 centers, 3187 patients with acute bronchitis or exacerbations of chronic bronchitis were evaluated. Similar symptomatic benefits were reported with Sinupret as were seen with the standard mucokinetic drugs.

 These studies did not evaluate elderberry separately, and those for bronchitis did not evaluate Sinupret against a placebo. Since the beneficial effects of allopathic expectorants and mucolytics have not been adequately demonstrated, Sinupret and elder flowers cannot be regarded as having objectively proved their value.

 Using a standardized black elderberry extract (Sambucol), a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 40 Israeli subjects was carried out during an influenza outbreak. Symptoms and fever improved significantly within 2 days in 93.3% of subjects in the treatment group, whereas the same degree of improvement was achieved by 91.7% of the controls at 6 days (P < 0.001). The preparation was also reported to increase hemagglutination in-hibition titers to infuenza B, and to inhibit replication of strains of influenza A and . Although this surprisingly successful outcome has led to the promotion of Sambucol for influenza, the study has yet to be replicated.

 

   Edible Uses of Elderberry:

 Flowers; Fruit; Leaves; Tea.

 Fruit - raw or cooked. A bittersweet flavour, the fruits are about 5mm in diameter and are borne in large clusters. They are at their best after being dried, the fresh raw fruit has a rather rank taste. The fruit is normally cooked and used in pies, jams, jellies, sauces, bread etc. Rich in vitamin C. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

 Flowers - raw or cooked. They are often covered in batter and made into fritters. The flowers can be picked when unopened, pickled and then used as a flavouring in candies etc. They can also be soaked in water to make a drink.

 Young shoots are said to be edible when cooked and to be used as an asparagus substitute though, since the leaves are also said to be poisonous, this report should be viewed with some doubt.
 A pleasant tasting tea is made from the dried flowers.

 

   Other Uses of Elderberry:

 Compost; Dye; Fungicide; Insecticide; Musical; Repellent; Straw.

 The leaves and inner bark of young shoots are used as an insect repellent, the dried flowering shoots are said to repel insects and rodents. A decoction of the leaves can be used as an insecticide. It is prepared by boiling 3 - 4 handfuls of leaves in a litre of water, then straining and allowing to cool before applying. Effective against many insects, it also treats various fungal infections such as leaf rot and powdery mildew.
 A black dye is obtained from the bark.

 When grown near a compost heap, the root activity of this plant encourages fermentation in the compost heap.
 The stems can be easily hollowed out to be used as drains in tapping the sap from trees such as the Sugar Maples (Acer spp). the stems can also be used as whistles and flutes.

 Modern uses: A valuable remedy in modern herbal medicine. The bark, flowers and berries are all used and are available from herbalists. The berries, rich in vitamin C, are used to make wine or juice; either taken hot is a traditional remedy for colds. Elderflowers mixed with Peppermint herb and made into an infusion - 1 oz (28 g) to 1 pt (568 ml) of water - is taken in doses Of 2 fl Oz (56 ml) for 'flu. Elderflower water, which can he made by adding eight drops of the essential oil to 1 Pt (568 ml) of distilled water, is used in eye and skin lotions. It keeps the complexion clear of freckles and other blemishes.

 The leaves are used to make a soothing ointment. They are combined in equal parts With red Poppy flowers and 6 oz (17o g) of this mixture is simmered in 15 fl Oz (426 ml) of olive oil. This is then strained and 5 Oz (142 g) of melted white paraffin wax is added. The ointment is then allowed to cool. It is suitable for bruises, sprains and chilblains.
 An infusion of the bark is laxative and diuretic. It is given in small doses over a period of time to purify the blood.

 

   Magical Uses of Elderberry:

 Purification,Exorcism,Sleep,Healing,Prosperity,Protection

  Reported uses of Elderberry:

 Anti-inflammatory&anti-Virus:Recent studies using Sambucol, a product containing an extract of elder berries suggests that elder may be able to prevent several strains of the influenza virus from replicating. This could be good news for anyone who wants to aid the body's natural defenses and decrease the time necessary for recovery. Elder has also traditionally been used in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of upper respiratory infections.Other studies suggest that elder flowers have anti-inflammatory properties.

 Antioxidant:Results of a study indicated elderberry having an effect on cholesterol and antioxidant activity.Acting as an antioxidant, elder may protect the body against damage from free radicals. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. Anthocyanins are special class of bioflavonoids, which offer powerful antioxidant protection against cellular aging. Elderberry extract reduces the damaging effects of LDL, or bad cholesterol, and serves as an antioxidant for the body. Elderberry may be useful in treating cold and flu symptoms by increasing the body's immune system response.

 Traditionally, elder flowers have been used in the treatment of diabetes. A recent animal study has demonstrated activity similar to insulin. More research is needed to determine how effective elder flowers are for humans with diabetes.

 Healing plant:The berries make a delicious wine and jam, and are rich in vitamins A and C. But elderberry has had an extensive reputation as a healing plant throughout history. The leaves, flowers, bark, and berries have all been used in healing, although all but the berries contain poisonous alkaloids and should not be used internally (source - Medicinal uses for elderberry). The berries contain more vitamin C than any other herb except rosehips and black currant (source).

 Common medical uses: include being applied topically for infections, inflammations and swelling, and as a wash for skin healing and complexion purification. Also used as a tea and cordial to sooth sore throats, speed recovery from cold and flu and relieve respiratory distress (source).


   Therapeutics and Pharmacology of Elderberry:
 

 The fresh flowers are diaphoretic when administered as a hot infusion. This action is less marked in the dried flowers due to the loss of much of the volatile oil component. The bioflavonoids stimulate the circulation, and Sambucus flowers, combined with Achillea and Mentha, are specific for the treatment of colds and influenza. Sambucus is indicated in any catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, for example, allergic rhinitis or sinusitis and, taken prophylactically early in the year, strengthens the upper respiratory tract before the pollen count rises. The action of Sambucus in the upper respiratory system is further enhanced by its anti-inflammatory action. A cold, strained infusion of the flowers is a soothing remedy for inflamed eyes, and can be used as a gargle for mouth ulcers and tonsillitis. The flowers also have an expectorant action, thereby alleviating lung congestion; they also have a direct action one of the mechanisms involved in the production of mucus so that excess catarrh is checked. Sambucus is therefore beneficial in bronchitis and even pneumonia. The flowers are mildly relaxing and can be used where there is agitation and restlessness; there is a direct effect on the nervous system inducing relaxation of all visceral functions. Topically, they are often used in skin creams and for chilblains. An infusion made from Sambucus flowers, Hypericum herb and Saponaria root has exhibited anti-viral activity against influenza types A and B, both in vitro and in vivo, and herpes simplex virus Type I in vitro.

 The berries have similar properties to the flowers. Rich in Vitamin C, a syrup may be made from them to be taken as a prophylactic against winter colds. Combined with expectorant Thymus, the berries are also useful in the treatment of coughs. Sambucus' diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity helps explain its use in rheumatic and arthritic conditions. The leaves, bark and berries have a greater diuretic activity than the flowers. The berries and bark have a long-established effect in regulating bowel activity, moderating extremes of diarrhoea but also encouraging a substantial movement if that is what is needed. The leaves are used topically to treat bruises, sprains, wounds, burns and chilblains, and may also be used as a mouthwash. Recent research suggests that they may be of use in an ointment for the treatment of tumours.
 

 

   Most Common Dosage Standardization:

 Flowers: 500mg (standardized extract), 2-3 times a day.
 Flowers- 5% bioflavonoids per dose.
 Tea: Pour 5 ounces of boiling water over 2 heaping teaspoonfuls of dried elder flowers, steep and drink 1~2 cups, 3 times a day.
 Elderberry-flower tea is made by steeping 3 to 5 g of dried flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. A typical dosage is 1 cup 3 times daily. Standardized extracts should be taken according to the directions on the product's label.
 Berries: Capsules - 500mg (standardized extract), 2~3 times a day.
 Berries: Liquid extract:1 tablespoonful (15ml), 2-3 times a day for 3~4 days.
 Berries: Capsules - 500mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day.
 Berries: 30% anthocyanins with 8% total acids and 7% total phenols per dose.
 Elderberry fruit syrups are often standardized to 30~38 percent elderberry.
 Powdered extracts are dosed at 500 mg (capsule) 2~3 times daily.
 Liquid form, dosed at one teaspoonful (10 mL) 4 times daily.
 For children one teaspoon times per day.
 In the case of acute viral infections, course of treatment is generally at least three days.
 The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to:

 The flower preparations are usually administered as teas and alcoholic extracts, and are often found in composite herbal remedies. The traditional dose is 3-5 g of the flower, and this is typically administered 2-3 times a day. Topical cosmetic preparations are used for the skin and eyes. Sinupret contains 18 mg of powdered elder flower extract per dose in combination with other herbs, and Sambucol (a standardized elderberry extract) is marketed in the U.S. by both J.B. Harris and Nature's Way.

 Combinations: The flowers may be combined with Achillea and Mentha piperata for colds and influenza, or with Achillea and/or Hyssopus in influenza. For catarrhal states Sambucus can be combined with Solidago.

 

   Other Application Tips of Elderberry:

  Toxicities & Precautions:Toxicology

 Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
 General:This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
 Consumption of the roots, stems, leaves and unripe fruit of the elder plant is not recommended. These parts of the plant can induce vomiting or severe diarrhea if ingested.

 Because of the cyanogenic potential of the leaves, extracts of the plant may be used in foods, provided HCN levels do not exceed 25 ppm in the flavor. Toxicity in children who used pea shooters made from elderberry stems has been reported.

 One report of severe illness following the ingestion of juice prepared from elderberries has been recorded by the Centers for Disease Control. People attending a picnic, who ingested several glasses of juice made from berries picked the day before, reported nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor. One person who consumed 5 glasses of juice was hospitalized for stupor. All recovered. Although cyanide levels were not reported, there remains the possibility of cyanide-induced toxicity in these patients. While elderberries are safe to consume, particularly when cooked (uncooked berries may produce nausea), leaves and stems should not be crushed when making elderberry juice.

 The bark should not be used in pregnancy as it is a strong purgative while the unripe berries, young bark and leaves contain the toxic glycoside d-sambunigrin which can produce hydrocyanic acid.

  Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding:
 

 To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
 To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

  Role For Anti-Aging:

 An animal study carried out in 1987 reported that elder flowers had moderately strong anti-inflammatory properties, however, no further research to back this claim has been carried out. Recent research carried out at Tufts University has revealed that elderberry contains four anthocyanins that work to protect endothelial cells, which line artery walls, from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
 

  Interactions:

 There are no confirmed drug interactions with elderberry extract. However, due to the ability of Sambucus flower extracts to potentiate insulin release in vitro, patients with diabetes should be advised to monitor blood sugar closely when using flower extracts.

  Side Effects/Contradications:

 No adverse reactions to elderberry are known to exist. Raw berries are edible but may cause nausea and vomiting. Herbal products made from the leaves, stems or bark of the elderberry tree should NOT be taken internally as they contain the potentially fatal poison cyanide.

 Elderberry extracts are generally without side effects when taken in the suggested dosages. Berries should be cooked, as the consumption of uncooked berries or juice can result in vomiting and diarrhea. Certain constituents of the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots contain poisonous alkaloids. It has also been reported that small percentages of the general population have a type-1 allergy to Sambucus nigra as evidenced by positive-skin prick or RAST test.

 Elderberry flowers are generally regarded as safe. Side effects are rare and consist primarily of occasional mild gastrointestinal distress or allergic reactions. Nonetheless, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.The stems, roots, unripe berries, and seeds may contain cyanide, and could cause vomiting and severe diarrhea if chewed or eaten uncooked. Ripe berries are safe when prepared for use in foods.

  Elder as a Ward:

 Elder:Spirits were believed to have inhabited elder trees, and for this reason, the tree was accociated with witches and bad luck (Huxley 2203).
 As a Ward:If properly handled, it was believed an elder tree could protect and inable one "under certain circumstances to find out what witches were doing" (Huxley 2203).


  Scientific References:

  1.Sambucus nigra,Black elder,Elderberry and its narration literature...