Elderberry Benefits

Elderberry or Sambucus Nigra is a plant of the genus Sambucus, which contains several species of shrubs and small trees. The plant is a native of temperate and subtropical regions like North America, Europe, Northwest Africa and South America. Elderberry plant is also known as 'black elder', 'European elder', 'European elderberry' and 'European black elderberry'. The plant produces dark purple colored or black berries, that are known as elderberries, which have been in use for a long time in North America, Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, as a folk remedy for a number of health conditions. This prompted a number of scientific researches and investigation in this direction, which have thrown light on this plant.

The Goodness of Elderberry
It is believed to treat the flu symptoms, especially the influenza B. In a study carried out in the year 2004, it has been noted that there was a significant improvement in the conditions of the flu patients, who were given elderberry extract. This is due to antioxidant properties of the elderberries. Berries contain flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties and hence, boost the immune system to fight against viral and bacterial infections. At the same time, elderberries are also rich in a compound, known as anthocyanin, which has ant-inflammatory effect. Therefore, it can alleviate the symptoms like muscle aches, pain or fever associated with flu or influenza.

However, elderberries are not only abundant in antioxidants, but also in vitamin A, B and C and nutrients like, amino acids, carotenoids, tannin and rutin. Apart from strengthening the immune system, to fight against viral infections and flu, its extract are also found to be effective in conditions like cold, yeast infection, asthma, cough, nasal and chest congestion and diabetes. It can help to reduce the level of cholesterol and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is considered as an important contributory factor for cardiovascular diseases. So, elderberries can provide protection against cardiovascular and heart diseases including, strokes and heart attacks. Stress reduction, vision improvement, improvement in digestion, are some other important benefits.

Precautions to be Taken
However, before consuming elderberries or their extracts, one should always keep in mind that the leaves, twigs, seeds as well as the roots of the plant contain a compound, called glycoside, which if consumed, can release cyanide within our body. So, consuming a large quantity of these parts of the plant, can cause accumulation of a high level of cyanide in the body. Even the unripened berries contain a compound called, sambunigrin, which is a type of mildly toxic glycoside. Therefore, the unripened berries are also not fit for human consumption. Only the ripe berries can impart all the health benefits mentioned above. Also, make sure that you consume the berries of the Sambucus Nigra or black elderberry plant, as some other species of the genus Sambucus can be quite poisonous. The black or purple colored elderberries are generally considered ideal for human consumption, but, their excessive use can cause diarrhea.

A lot of precaution needs to be taken, while using elderberries for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. Like other herbal supplements, excessive use of elderberries can also cause some side effects. However, the immense benefits of elderberries on human health cannot be denied. If consumed judiciously, and under the guidance of appropriate medical authority, elderberries can ensure general health and well-being of an individual, by strengthening the immune system and protecting against a wide range of diseases.