Black Elder and Its Constituents: Molecular Mechanisms of Action Associated with Female Reproduction

Abstract

The present review summarizes the current knowledge concerning provenance, properties, physiological and therapeutic actions of elderberry and the bioactive molecules present in the plant, with emphasis on their action on female reproduction. Elderberry or black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) attracts attention due to its easy cultivation and high availability of bioactive compounds. Most of the available data concerning black elder’s therapeutic action are focused on its effects such as activation of immune processes and anti-inflammatory processes (cytokine production, etc.) and regulation of hormones and their receptors in cancer cells. The effects of elderberry on reproduction have been poorly investigated so far. Nevertheless, conducted studies so far demonstrate the stimulatory influence of black elder extract and its constituents, such as rutin, anthocyanins and agglutinins, on the viability and steroidogenesis of healthy ovarian cells as well as their ability to promote apoptosis and reduce the viability and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the action of black elder extract and its constituent biomolecules, such as anthocyanins and lectins, on embryogenesis and the embryonal estradiol-estradiol receptor system have also been reported. The available information, despite limitations, suggest the applicability of black elder constituents for improvement of reproductive processes in animal biotechnology, animal production and assisted reproduction, as well as for prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders (including cancer) in veterinary and human medicine.

Association of pre-diagnosis specific color groups of fruit and vegetable intake with ovarian cancer survival: results from the ovarian cancer follow-up study (OOPS)

“…44 Previous studies have shown that anthocyanins could enhance the viability and steroidogenesis of healthy ovarian cells, as well as promote apoptosis and decrease the viability and proliferation of OC cells. 51–53 In addition, as a critical carotenoid pigment in red/purple FV, lycopene could interfere with mechanisms involved in the development and progression of OC, and reduced the tumor and metastatic burden of OC. 54,55…”

“…44 Previous studies have shown that anthocyanins could enhance the viability and steroidogenesis of healthy ovarian cells, as well as promote apoptosis and decrease the viability and proliferation of OC cells. [51][52][53] In addition, as a critical carotenoid pigment in red/purple FV, lycopene could interfere with mechanisms involved in the development and progression of OC, and reduced the tumor and metastatic burden of OC. 54,55 Notably, a diet is made up of multiple food groups and nutrients, so recommendations for a high pre-diagnosis FV intake also need to consider the intake of other food groups , total fruits is 158.00 g day −1 , total vegetables is 121.90 g day −1 , green FV is 65.11 g day −1 , red/purple FV is 62.05 g day −1 , orange/ yellow FV is 48.62 g day −1 , white FV is 100.97 g day −1 , and uncategorized is FV 28.17 g day −1 .…”

Elderberry interaction with pazopanib in a patient with soft‑tissue sarcoma: A case report and literature review

“…The present report aims to highlight the importance of understanding the interaction (both beneficial and detrimental) between herbal supplements and cytotoxic medicines. In vivo mouse experiments have shown the activity of elderberry in breast, bladder and ovarian cancer ( 24 ). It is thought that elderberry flower exerts its medicinal effect due to the abundance of polyphenolic compounds contained in it, primarily flavonols, phenolic acid and anthocyanins.…”

Effect of Enriching Gingerbread Cookies with Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products on Their Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation Properties, and Sensory Acceptance

“…Moreover, pectins, tannins, and phenolic acids have also been found in elderflowers [ 23 , 26 ]. Elderflowers can be used both for the prevention and therapy of a wide array of diseases due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral activities [ 27 , 28 ].…”