Elder
Sambucus
Sambucus, commonly known as elderberry, is a plant with traditional uses primarily documented in Eastern European regions such as Transylvania. It has been traditionally used for respiratory conditions and other ailments, though specific uses are not extensively recorded. Scientific evidence suggests that Sambucus nigra, along with other plants like Echinacea spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Curcuma longa, and Zingiber officinale, may help reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), although this is based on limited data. Among 110 Anatolian medicinal plants linked to respiratory conditions, Sambucus nigra is included, but no specific health effects were assessed in these studies. Traditional practices involving Sambucus have declined among German- and Ladin-speaking communities in the Italian Alps, reflecting broader changes in cultural practices. No major safety issues or drug interactions with Sambucus have been recorded, though further research may be warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety comprehensively.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study documented the use of Sambucus nigra among other plants for respiratory conditions in Transylvania, with some uses supported by contemporary pharmacology.
- The study found that while minority languages persist, traditional plant-related practices have declined among German- and Ladin-speaking communities in the Italian Alps.
- The study found that Sambucus nigra is among 110 Anatolian medicinal plants associated with treating respiratory conditions, though no specific health effect was evaluated.
- Sufficient evidence suggests that Echinacea spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Sambucus nigra, Curcuma longa, and Zingiber officinale may help reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections.
- The study found that black elderberry extract provided neuroprotection in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats by modulating miRNA expression and oxidative stress markers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Elder?
Elder (Sambucus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Elder?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Elder; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study documented the use of Sambucus nigra among other plants for respiratory conditions in Transylvania, with some uses supported by contemporary pharmacology.
How strong is the evidence for Elder?
The strongest finding for Elder carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Elder safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Elder in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Elder interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Elder in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Elder?
Elder is also known as: бузина, Sureau.
Is Elder a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Neuroprotective effects of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract through the role of miR-124-5p and miR-144-5p in a streptozotocin-induced Type 2 diabetic rat model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 When minority language persistence is not enough: the decline of foraging knowledge in German- and Ladin-speaking Alpine communities of Northern Italy. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Review of the Properties of Clinically Evaluated Plant-Derived Agents in the Treatment of Respiratory Infections. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Traditional Respiratory Remedies From Anatolia: Ethnobotanical Insights and Bioactive Properties. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnopharmacobotanical investigation of plants used for respiratory disorders in Transylvania, Romania. literature abstract metadata