Sambucus nigra, called European elder and black elderberry, has traditional uses as an herbal remedy for treating respiratory illness. Side effects appear to be unlikely as long as the berries are ripe and cooked and the remedy is used for five days or less. While authoritative websites do not mention reports of allergic reactions, one study shows that a small percentage of individuals are allergic to black elderberry. Consult a qualified health care provider before consuming black elderberries.
Uses
Some research indicates that both elderberries and the flower of the elder tree help reduce tissue swelling in the sinuses and other mucous membranes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In one study, a specific elderberry extract in lozenge form reduced flu symptoms when taken within 24 hours of the onset. In another study, patients taking a standardized extract containing elderberry along with other herbs and vitamin C recovered from the flu sooner than those not taking the product.
Allergy Research
A study published in the December 2003 issue of "Clinical and Experimental Allergy" evaluated patients experiencing symptoms of summer hay fever, such as shortness of breath and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, which involves both nasal and eye symptoms. The authors determined that some of these individuals may have an allergy to the flowers, berries or pollen of the elderberry tree. A total of 0.6 percent of 3,668 patients had positive skin prick or blood tests for elderberry allergy, and nine of them were symptomatic.
Considerations
This plant is in the honeysuckle family; if you are allergic to any variety of garden or wild honeysuckle or to snowberry, you may be more likely to be sensitive to elderberry. While the University of Maryland Medical Center and the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine do not list allergic reactions as a possible side effect of black elderberry, use caution if you are at risk for an elderberry allergy.
Warning
Only buy elderberry supplements from reputable suppliers. Eating raw or unripe elderberries can cause toxic reactions because they contain a chemical related to cyanide, which is poisonous. Elder bark, leaves and seeds are toxic as well. Consuming these substances can cause vomiting or severe diarrhea. All components of a related tree known as the dwarf elder, with the botanical name Sambucus ebulus, can have toxic effects and should be avoided also, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Elderberry
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: European Elder
- Calgary Allergy Network: Botanical Food Family List
- Montara Mountain Plants: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
- "Clinical and Experimental Allergy"; Type I Allergy to Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra); E. Förster-Waldl, et al.; December 2003
Member Comments