Elderberry

Figure 1. The Elderberry plant.

Elderberry or the fruit of the Sambucus genus of flowering plants is the dark-purple berry from the European elder tree. The most common species of Elderberry is Sambucus nigra, or the European Elderberry.

Historically, the flowers and leaves of the Elderberry plant have been used for pain relief, swelling, inflammation, stimulating the production of urine, and inducing sweating. The bark was used as a diuretic, a laxative, and to induce vomiting. In folk medicine, the dried berries or juice are used to treat influenza, infections, sciatica, headaches, dental pain, heart pain, and nerve pain, as well as a laxative and diuretic. 

Today, Elderberry is a popular dietary supplement ingredient. Elderberries are rich in anthocyanidins (i.e. the plant pigment that gives the berry its dark purple colour), a strong Antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. They are also nutritious: high in Vitamin C and Dietary Fiber. Per 145g of fresh Elderberries provide:

• 106g of calories
• Less than 1g of fat and protein
• 52mg of Vitamin C (or 57% of daily value)
• 10g of Dietary Fiber (or 36% of daily value)

Elderberries are also a good source of phenolic acids and flavonols.

Elderberry supplements are also commonly taken to help with colds and flus by easing the effects of symptoms and reducing the length of illness.