elderberry

Common names
European elderberry (black elderberry), North American elderberry
Botanical name
Sambucus nigra
Parts used and where grown
Numerous species of elder or elderberry grow in Europe and North America. Only those with blue/black berries are medicinal. The flowers and berries are both used. Species with red berries are not medicinal.
Elderberry has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Influenza
* - Cold sores
* - Common cold/sore throat
* - Infection
* - Inflammation
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Elderberries have long been used as food, particularly in the dried form. Elderberry wine, pie, and lemonade are some of the popular ways to prepare this plant as food. The leaves were touted by European herbalists to be pain relieving and to promote healing of injuries when applied as a poultice.1 Native American herbalists used the plant for infections, coughs, and skin conditions.
Active constituents
Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. These flavonoids include anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage according to test tube studies.2 According to laboratory research, an extract from the leaves, combined with St. John’s wort and soapwort, inhibits the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus.3 The effect on influenza of a syrup made from the berries of the black elderberry has been studied in a small double-blind trial.4 People receiving an elderberry extract (2 tablespoons [30 ml] per day for children, 4 tablespoons [60 ml] per day for adults) appeared to recover faster than did those receiving a placebo. Animal studies have shown the flowers to have anti-inflammatory properties.5 These actions have not been verified in human clinical trials.
How much is usually taken?
A syrup of black elderberry extract (1 teaspoon–1 tablespoon [5–15 ml] for children, 2 teaspoons–2 tablespoons [10–30 ml] for adults) can be taken twice daily. A tea made from 1/2–1 teaspoon (3–5 grams) of the dried flowers steeped in 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes may be drunk three times per day.6
Are there any side effects or interactions?
The safe internal use of elderberry is limited to the use of the dried flowers or syrups made from the ripe berries.7 The roots, stems, leaves, and unripe berries may contain poisonous constituents that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.8 Preparations containing any of these parts of the elder plant should be avoided.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with elderberry.
Source: www.cncahealth.com