Sambucus

Elder

Sambucus, commonly known as elderberry, is a versatile medicinal shrub cherished for centuries. Renowned for its potent antioxidant properties, these dark berries are frequently used to bolster the immune system and combat seasonal ailments. Whether brewed into syrups or tinctures, Sambucus offers a natural approach to holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Sambucus
  • Family: Viburnaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Dipsacales and the family Viburnaceae, it is classified 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, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Simplified Chinese, it is commonly called 接骨木属 (zh-hans/zh-cn/zh-sg), while in Traditional Chinese, it is identified as 接骨木屬 (zh-hant/zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 接骨木属 Wikidata
zh-hant 接骨木屬 Wikidata
zh-hk 接骨木屬 Wikidata
zh-cn 接骨木屬 Wikidata
zh-sg 接骨木属 Wikidata
zh-tw 接骨木屬 Wikidata
pl Bez Wikidata
qu Rayan Wikidata
oc Saüc Wikidata
hu bodza Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several regions of Northern Europe. In the western part of this territory, it can be found growing in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving further north, the species is also established within the borders of Denmark. The plant's range extends into the Scandinavian Peninsula, where it inhabits Norway. Finally, its presence is confirmed in the northernmost reaches of the region within Finland.

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

Chemicals

Sambucus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include SSA.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
SSA 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Sambucus has 9 reported activities identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Analgesic, Anticancer.

Total activities
9
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiosteoporotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypolipidemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sambucus has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include urinary tract infections, bone fractures, diarrhea, headaches, menstrual pains.

Total uses
9
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
urinary tract infections 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bone fractures 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
headaches 1 ★☆☆☆☆
menstrual pains 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆
skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
snakebites 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wounds 1 ★☆☆☆☆