Elderberry benefits and side effects

Cold and flu are both viral infections of the respiratory tract. While flu is caused by the Influenza virus, common cold is caused by a number of viruses including rhinovirus and coronaviruses. 

Elderberries and elderflowers are used for the treatment of common cold in folk medicine. 

A study done in Italy suggested that Sambucus nigra, the European elderberry has potent antiviral activity.

A study done on mice indicated that the polyphenols present in elderberry flowers (elderflower) can prevent the penetration of influenza A virus H1N1 into healthy cells. Polyphenols are organic compounds that are rich in antioxidants.

In a randomised clinical study, 60 people who had had flu-like symptoms for 48 hours were given either 15 mL of elderberry syrup or placebo four times a day for five days. Those who took elderberry syrup saw symptomatic improvement four days earlier than those who took the placebo.

However, more studies are needed to confirm the effects of elderberry plant in common cold or flu.

Various studies show the efficacy of elderberry to improve cardiovascular health. Animal studies indicate that elderberry polyphenols can reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels and blood pressure. The effect has been attributed to the antioxidant action of these polyphenols.

Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are molecules that are formed as a result of normal metabolism. Their number increases due to stress, ageing and a number of diseases. Accumulation of these radicals causes oxidative stress and organ damage.

In a random control trial done in Austria, 34 people were given a 400 mg tablet of elderberry anthocyanins (equal to about 5mL elderberry juice) for about 14 days. It was found that the spray-dried extract had minor effects on serum LDL levels. The study suggested that higher and nutritionally relevant doses may have better benefits in cholesterol reduction.

Elderberries have also been found to reduce uric acid levels in the body. High blood uric acid levels are associated with harmful effects on the cardiovascular system including hypertension (high blood pressure).

Read more: What to eat and what not to eat, to reduce uric acid levels in the body

European or black elder has been traditionally used for the management of diabetes. 

In vitro (lab) studies show that aqueous extracts of the elder plant promote the release of insulin. 

Animal studies show that elderberry extracts can help control blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance. 

Insulin is the hormone that helps our body cells to take up glucose (for energy) from the blood. However, in the case of insulin resistance, the cells in a person’s body do not respond well to insulin. As a result, their blood sugar levels increase.

According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the antioxidants present in elderflowers can suppress the action of two enzymes—alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase—that are involved in the breakdown of complex sugars into glucose and hence may be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.

You might also be interested in: Exercises for diabetes

Traditionally, elderflower extracts are applied to the skin to improve skin tone and reduce freckles and dark spots. It is also used to treat wounds, burns, rashes, insect bites and acne.

Read more Home remedies for dark spots

Though there is no scientific evidence behind any of these effects, a study published in the journal Cytotechnology indicated that the antioxidant effects of elderberry can help reduce skin photoageing (skin ageing caused by prolonged exposure to the sun) and can also reduce the effects of UV-induced skin inflammation.

Elderberry has proven antibacterial and antifungal effects, hence it may be helpful in the management of acne, which is caused due to bacterial growth in skin pores. The anti-inflammatory effects of elderberry may be helpful in reducing the swelling and redness around acne.

Due to the lack of evidence on the potential skin benefits of elderberry, it is best that you talk to a dermatologist or your doctor before using this plant for any skin conditions.

Experts say that elderberry plant can modulate the immune system in both healthy and sick people. Depending on the part used and the solvent used to make the extracts, the plant can either increase or decrease inflammation.

A study showed that elderberry polyphenols can reduce the levels of an inflammatory mediator interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta by up to 50%. IL-1beta is responsible for long-term inflammation in various chronic diseases.

However, most of these studies are preclinical, and clinical studies need to be done to assess the effectiveness of this plant in humans.

Read more: How to increase immunity

Research suggests that berry anthocyanins (the pigments that give berries their blue, purple or red colour) can improve cognitive and motor function and delay age-related neurodegeneration. It can hence help in the management of conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

The neuroprotective actions of elderberry have been attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of anthocyanins.

A study done on mice showed that elderberry extract can reduce depression. However, more studies are still needed to understand the effects of elderberries on brain.

According to a study published in the journal European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, methanolic extracts of the leaves, bark, and fruit of black elderberry can reduce epilepsy seizures by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that help in the transduction of signals in the brain.

The following are some other benefits of the elderberry plant:

• Though there is not much evidence on the laxative properties of elderberry, most fruits have some amount of fibre which can help promote digestion and facilitate the passage of stool. 
• Leaves of the elderberry plant are said to relieve pain when applied as a poultice (crushed and applied topically on the affected area).
• A study done on rats showed that elderberry can increase urination (diuresis). This may be helpful in clearing out toxic substances from the body.
• Elderberry bark, leaves, or twigs, when mixed with chamomile in a poultice, is said to reduce joint inflammation, joint stiffness and joint pain.
• Elderberry anthocyanins have been indicated to have antiproliferative and apoptotic effects against cancer cells. That is, they are said to stop the growth of and induce the death of cancer cells.