Sambucus nigra
European black elderberry
Sambucus nigra, commonly known as elderberry, is a versatile deciduous shrub prized for its medicinal properties. Renowned for its potent antioxidant content, it is frequently used to support immune health and alleviate respiratory symptoms. Both the dark berries and fragrant flowers offer therapeutic benefits in traditional herbal medicine worldwide.
- Scientific name: Sambucus nigra
- Family: Viburnaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Sambucus nigra, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Dipsacales. Finally, it is a member of the family Viburnaceae and falls under the genus Sambucus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Dipsacales | WCVP |
| Family | Viburnaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sambucus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Sambucus nigra, is recognized by various traditional and regional names across the globe. In Chinese, it is referred to as 西洋接骨木 (xīyáng jiēgǔmù), while in Basque, it carries the name Intsusa beltz. In Poland, it is commonly called Bez czarny, and in the Quechua language, it is known as Yana rayan. Additionally, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is identified as Zova.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 西洋接骨木 | Wikidata |
| eu | Intsusa beltz | Wikidata |
| pl | Bez czarny | Wikidata |
| qu | Yana rayan | Wikidata |
| bs | Zova | Wikidata |
| oc | Saüc negre | Wikidata |
| hu | fekete bodza | Wikidata |
| sq | Shtogu | Wikidata |
| ba | Мәрәүәр ағасы | Wikidata |
| nl | gewone vlier | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several regions in Northern Europe. In the western parts of the continent, it can be found growing throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Moving further north, the species is also established within the territories of Norway and Denmark. Additionally, its presence extends into the easternmost reaches of the region, including Finland. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse Northern European climates.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as elderberry, utilizes various components for its medicinal and culinary applications. The delicate, creamy-white flowers are often harvested to create soothing syrups and teas, while the dark, nutrient-dense berries are widely celebrated for their immune-boosting properties. The green leaves contain certain compounds that have been used traditionally, though they must be used with caution due to their toxicity if prepared incorrectly. Even the bark of the elder tree has historical uses in traditional medicine, and the pollen produced by the blossoms plays a vital role in the plant's reproductive cycle and local ecosystem.- Total parts
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 18
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flowers | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berries | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pollen | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| elderberry flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edible flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sambucus nigra has 68 reported phytochemicals identified across 102 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include rutin, flavonoids, quercetin, Zn, anthocyanin.
- Total chemicals
- 68
- Scientific sources
- 102
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rutin | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| flavonoids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| quercetin | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Zn | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanins | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ca | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cd | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cu | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fe | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sambucus nigra has 23 reported activities identified across 33 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 23
- Scientific sources
- 33
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sambucus nigra has 34 reported medicinal uses identified across 45 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, antidiabetic, influenza, antioxidant, atherosclerosis.
- Total uses
- 34
- Scientific sources
- 45
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| influenza | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| atherosclerosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| viral infections | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AIDS | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HHV-1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |