COMMON NAMEStandardized: European elderOther: black elderBOTANICALNAMESambucus nigraL.Plant Family:CaprifoliaceaeOVERVIEWINTRODUCTIONEuropean elder is a plant nativeto Europe, Northern Africa, and Western-and Central Asia. Its flowers andberries have a long history of use in traditional European medicine. Elderberries have also been used for making preserves, wines, winter cordials, andfor adding flavor and color to other wines.CONSTITUENTSPotassium nitrate, sambucin,sambunigrin, sugars. The complex sugars of the berries are the immune-activefraction.PARTS USEDMost commonly the flowers orberries. Dried fruits are less bitter than fresh.The branches and leaves arepoisonous. The small stem which is sometimes left on the berry is safe.TYPICAL PREPARATIONSTeas, tinctures, encapsulations,syrups, wine, cordials, and even ketchup, often combined with propolis orechinacea.*Michael McGuffin, ed., AmericanHerbal Products Association'sBotanical Safety Handbook, (New York: CRCPress, 1997)PRECAUTIONSSpecific:Noknown precautions.General:We recommend that you consult with aqualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly ifyou are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.Foreducational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Foodand Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent anydisease.Your browser does not support JavaScript.To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser.