Antiviral and healing potential of Sambucus nigra extracts

Abstract

Nowadays, the application of alternative methods instead of clinical treatment creates a new possibility to prevent the development of diseases. Medicinal plants such as Sambucus nigra have been well known due to their extraordinary properties. The similarity to synthetic substances makes it potentially dependable; however, a high concentration of cyanogenic glycosides may exert detrimental consequences. It has been documented that Sambucus nigra extracts are used against both human and animal viruses, like influenza A and B viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), dengue virus (DENV-2), human herpesvirus type 1 (HSV-1) and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63). Such reports are notably valuable especially considering the widespread usage of commercial drugs, which could be ineffective. This review provides insight on recent research on the health properties of plant Sambucus nigra as an antiviral medication that may help propose new therapy.

Assessment of the role of anthocyanin standardized elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract as an immune-stimulating nutraceutical of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

“…To examine the effect of nutraceuticals on the immune cells of the Nile tilapia, we used the extract of a dark pigmented fruit, elderberry, well known for its potential nutritional and therapeutic effects [37]. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, attention toward elderberry extracts increased considerably because of the particular interest in elderberry's antiviral effects [3,12,20,38]. 13% anthocyanin standardized elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extracts contain several bioactive components such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, phenolic acid, flavonoids, catechins, and gallic acid [39][40][41][42][43].…”

A new high-quality elderberry plant extract exerts antiviral and immunomodulatory effects in vitro and ex vivo

“…Elderberry is known for its beneficial effects for the prevention and treatment of common cold, influenza and upper respiratory infections for many years (Edwards et al, 2015;Mahboubi, 2020). Recently, published studies on elderberry flower and fruit extracts increased substantially, especially in the years 2020 and 2021, also due to the special interest in elderberry's antiviral effects in context with the global Covid-19 pandemic (Adams et al, 2020;Bartak et al, 2020;Brendler et al, 2020). Besides the interest of the scientific community, also consumer interest on botanical preparations grew noticeably, with elderberry products being increasingly sold in 2020 (Krawiek, 2021).…”

A Review with Updated Perspectives on the Antiviral Potentials of Traditional Medicinal Plants and Their Prospects in Antiviral Therapy

“…In addition, Sambucus juice of the berries showed an antiviral effect on FluA H1N1 and, in combination with Pelargonium extract, had enhanced the antiviral effect against the respiratory syncytial virus [ 50 ]. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, and pro-anthocyanidins obtained from Sambucus plants showed antiviral properties on human and animal viruses, such as influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, dengue virus, human herpesvirus type 1, and human coronavirus NL63 [ 152 ]. Sambucus or elderberry has inhibitory effects against influenza infection in the early stage and post-infection stage of influenza infection.…”