A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles

Abstract

The berries of European elder are used in traditional German medicine for various complaints. Due to insufficient research data, elderberry fruit was not monographed by the German Commission E at the end of the last century. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to summarize the pharmacological and clinical effects of elderberry fruit. Several databases and other sources were searched to identify in vitro and animal studies, and clinical trials investigating elderberry fruit preparations. For the latter, the level of evidence was evaluated as described previously. Elderberry fruit preparations may provide antioxidant, antiviral and antiproliferative effects in vitro. One animal experiment and one clinical trial were able to back the antioxidative impact in terms of a weak antilipidemic effect. Antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects seem possible, but need further support. In rats, an aqueous elderberry fruit extract produced central depression and analgesia and an ethanol fruit extract improved acetic acid-induced colitis. Several in vitro studies together with two exploratory studies in humans and one open study in chimpanzees indicate that the aqueous elderberry extract Sambucol may be useful for the treatment of viral influenza infections. These promising effects of elderberry fruit preparations from experimental and clinical studies should be backed by more rigorous studies before these preparations are recommended in the prevention of diseases and in treatment schedules.

Anti-Influenza Virus Effects of Elderberry Juice and Its Fractions

“…Syrups and supplements of an elderberry extract have been developed as a traditional remedy for various diseases in Europe. Judging from the pharmacological and clinical effects of elderberry reported by Vlachojyannis et al, 3) almost all the effects of elderberry warrant further investigation. Several in vitro studies on the anti-IFV activity of elderberry have found the inhibition of both haemagglutination 4) and viral proliferation, 24) and prevention of the adhesion of the virus to the host cell receptors.…”

“…The elderberry has been traditionally used in the treatment of influenza, common cold infections, diabetes, and other ailments. [1][2][3] Although several clinical trials have shown that such symptoms as fever and sneezing derived from influenza were rapidly recovered from by treating with elderberry juice or its concentrated syrup, 4,5) its main components and the mechanism for its anti-IFV action have been not fully understood. Elderberry is known to be rich in phenolic compounds, including phenolic acid, flavonoids, catechins, and proanthocyanidins.…”

Plants Producing Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins in Traditional Medicine

“…In Northern Europe, the elderberry has been used to prepare beverages either as a fresh berry juice or as a dried berry tea for the cathartic, diuretic and diaphoretic properties in the treatment of constipation, upper respiratory tract infections, back pain, headache and toothache (reviewed in [125]). …”

“…An anti-viral and anti-inflammatory action has been suggested in humans, but need further support by more rigorous clinical trials. The pharmacological role of type 2 RIPs contained in these preparations has not been clarified, although their antiviral activity is known (reviewed in [125]). …”

Unveiling Sambucus nigra L. berries terpenic metabolomics by comprehensive two dimensional gas chromatography: On the route of bioactive compounds

“…Elderberries have been used for generations in folk medicine, with several health benefits being reported [1]. The presence of secondary metabolites that are naturally present on elderberries, namely volatile terpenic [2], and phenolic [3] compounds could explain some of the reported biological activities, and being also responsible for some aspects of elderberries quality [4].…”