FolkKB

Black Elder

Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra, commonly known as black elderberry, holds a significant place in various traditional medicinal systems, including Anatolian and European practices. Historically, it has been used for a wide range of conditions such as respiratory issues, rheumatism, asthma, and as a diuretic or laxative. Scientific evidence suggests that the extract may provide neuroprotection in certain diabetic models by modulating specific microRNAs and oxidative stress. Furthermore, there is sufficient evidence to consider the plant an appropriate option for reducing the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
common cold · sudorific
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • common cold Western phytotherapy T3 WIKIPEDIA
  • sudorific Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • diaphoretic Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • cathartic Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • emetic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • epilepsy Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • expectorant Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • laxative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • syphilis Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • aperient Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • asthma traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • breast sclerosis traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study found that while minority languages persist, traditional plant-related practices have declined among German- and Ladin-speaking communities in the Italian Alps. D PMID
  • The study found that black elderberry extract provided neuroprotection in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by modulating miR-124-5p and miR-144-5p expression and improving oxidative stress markers. D PMID
  • Sufficient evidence exists to consider Sambucus nigra an appropriate treatment to reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections. D PMID
  • Sambucus nigra is among the key species identified in traditional Anatolian remedies for respiratory conditions, though specific health effects are not quantified in this study. D PMID
  • Sambucus nigra was among the plants recorded for respiratory conditions, showing some convergence with contemporary pharmacology in its expectorant/anti-inflammatory profiles. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Black Elder?

Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Black Elder traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Black Elder for: common cold, sudorific, diaphoretic, rheumatism, cathartic, depurative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Black Elder?

Black Elder appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Black Elder?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Black Elder; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that while minority languages persist, traditional plant-related practices have declined among German- and Ladin-speaking communities in the Italian Alps.

How strong is the evidence for Black Elder?

The strongest finding for Black Elder carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Black Elder safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Black Elder in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Black Elder interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Black Elder in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Black Elder?

Black Elder is also known as: бузина чёрная.

Is Black 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. T2 A Review of the Properties of Clinically Evaluated Plant-Derived Agents in the Treatment of Respiratory Infections. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Traditional Respiratory Remedies From Anatolia: Ethnobotanical Insights and Bioactive Properties. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Ethnopharmacobotanical investigation of plants used for respiratory disorders in Transylvania, Romania. literature abstract metadata
  7. T3 Sambucus nigra CC BY-SA 4.0

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