Elder-berryis one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world. Traditionally, Native Americans to treat infections; the ancient Egyptians used it to heal their skin and burns. It has been used for medical treatment among the population in many parts of Europe.
Today, elder-berry It is often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms.
However, the raw fruits, peel and leaves of the plant are poisonous and known to cause stomach problems.
What is Elderberry?
Elder-berry, adoxaceae flowering plant belonging to the family Sambucus variety of tree. The most common type, European elderberry or black elderberry also known as Sambucus is nigra.
This tree is native to Europe but is widely grown in many parts of the world.
S.nigra It grows up to 9 meters tall and consists of clusters of small white or cream flowers. Its fruits are found in small black or blue-black bunches.
The fruits are very hard and must be cooked for food. Its flowers have a delicate nutmeg flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Elder treeVarious parts of it have been used throughout history for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Historically, flowers and leaves have been used for pain relief, swelling, and inflammation to stimulate urine production and promote sweating. The crust is diuretic, laxative and causes vomiting.
In public, elder-berrydried fruit or fruit juice; as well as flu, infections, sciatica, headache, toothache, heartache, and nerve pain laxative and used in diuretic therapy.
It can also be cooked and used to make fruits, juice, jam, pies, and elderberry syrup. The flowers are often boiled with sugar to make a sweet syrup or brewed as a tea. They can also be eaten in salads.
Elderberry Nutrition Value
Elder-berryIt is a low-calorie food packed with antioxidants. 100 grams fresh elderberryIt contains 73 calories, 18.4 grams of carbohydrates and less than 1 gram of fat and protein. Plus, it has many nutritional benefits. Elderberries:
High in vitamin C
100 gram elder-berryThere are 6--35 mg of vitamin C, which is 60% of the recommended daily intake.
High in dietary fiber
100 grams fresh elderberry It contains 7 grams of fiber.
Good source of phenolic acid
These compounds are powerful antioxidants that reduce the damage of oxidative stress in the body.
Good source of flavonols
Elder-berryantioxidant flavonols quercetinContains kaempferol and isorhamnetin. The flower part contains 10 times more flavonols than fruits.
Rich in anthocyanins
These compounds give the fruit its characteristic deep black-purple color and are a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.
Elder-berryThe exact nutritional composition of the fruits depends on the variety of the plant, the ripeness of the fruit, and environmental and climatic conditions. Therefore, the nutritional content may differ.
What are the Benefits of Elderberry?
Elder-berryThere are many reported benefits. Being nutritious, it can also fight cold and flu symptoms, support heart health, and fight inflammation and infections.
Elderberry extracts and flower infusions are noted to reduce the severity and length of influenza.
For the treatment of the common cold elder-berryCommercial preparations in are available in a variety of forms including liquid, capsule, lozenge.
In a study of 60 people with the flu, 15 ml four times a day elderberry syrup the areas were found to show symptom improvement within two to four days, while the control group took seven to eight days to heal.
In another study of 64 people, 175mg over two days elderberry extract Taking the lozenge has been found to provide a significant improvement in flu symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches and nasal congestion after just 24 hours.
Also, 300 mg three times a day elderberry extract In a study of 312 air travelers who took capsules containing capsules, it was found that those who became ill experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms.
To verify these results and elder-berryLarger studies are needed to determine whether intake can play a role in preventing influenza.
Keep in mind that the majority of research has been done on commercial products only and little is known about the safety or effectiveness of home remedies.
High in antioxidants
Reactive molecules that can accumulate in the body during normal metabolism can be released. This can cause oxidative stress, leading to the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer.
Antioxidants are natural components of foods, including some vitamins, phenolic acids and flavonoids that can remove these reactive molecules.
Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants can help prevent chronic disease.
Elderberry plant flowers, fruits and leaves are excellent sources of antioxidants. In a study, elder-berryIt has been found to be one of the most effective antioxidants.
Additionally, one study, 400 ml elderberry juice found that antioxidant status improved in humans one hour after drinking. In another study in rats elderberry extracthas been found to help reduce inflammation and oxidative tissue damage.
Elder-berry Although showing promising results in the laboratory, research on humans and animals is still limited.
Additionally, the processing of elderberry such as extraction, heating, or juice can reduce its antioxidant activities.
Therefore, products such as syrup, juice, tea, and jam may have fewer benefits compared to some results seen in lab studies.
Good for heart health
Elder-berrymay have positive effects on some heart and blood vessel health markers.
Studies, elderberry juiceIt has shown that it can reduce the level of fat and cholesterol in the blood. It has also been found that a diet high in flavonoids such as anthocyanins reduces the risk of heart disease.
400 mg three times a day for two weeks elderberry extract A study of 34 people given found a slight decrease in cholesterol levels, although the results were not statistically significant.
Another study in mice with high cholesterol, black elderberry found that a diet containing a diet reduced the amount of cholesterol in the liver and aorta, but not in the blood.
Further studies, elder-berryfound that rats fed a diet containing polyphenols extracted from milk caused a decrease in blood pressure and were less susceptible to organ damage caused by high blood pressure.
The second reason to use the elder-berry It can reduce uric acid levels in the blood. High uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health.
Moreover, elder-berry It can increase insulin secretion and control blood sugar levels.
Considering that type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, blood sugar control is important in preventing this condition.
A study, elderberry flowerscan help lower blood sugar levels α It showed that it inhibits the enzyme glucosidase. Also, elder-berry Studies on diabetic rats given improved blood sugar control were observed.
Despite these promising results, there was no direct reduction in heart attacks or other heart disease symptoms, and further studies in humans are needed.
Good for digestion and intestines
Some research, elderberry teaIt suggests that it benefits constipation and may help support regularity and digestive health.
A small randomized study with a few herbs elder-berry found that a specific compound containing the drug could act as an effective natural laxative for treating constipation.
Benefits of Elderberry for Skin
Elder-berryis frequently used in cosmetic products. Its bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamin A content make it a great ingredient for skin health.
Not only that, the researchers also point out that a compound found in the fruit can provide a natural boost to the skin.
Anthocyanin, elder-berryIt is a type of natural plant pigment that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some researchers state that this compound can improve the structure and condition of the skin for overall skin health.
Other Benefits of Elderberry
Although the scientific evidence for most of these is limited, elder-berrys have many other benefits:
Helps fight cancer
Both European and American elder-berryIt has been found to have anti-cancer properties in test tube studies.
Fights harmful bacteria
Elderberry, Helicobacter pylori It has been found to inhibit the growth of such bacteria and reduce symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis.
It can support the immune system
In rats elder-berry polyphenols have been found to support the immune defense by increasing the number of white blood cells.
Can protect against UV radiation
Elderberry extract It has been found that a skin product containing a sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 9.88.
May increase urination
Elderberry flowershas been found to increase the frequency of urination and the amount of salt excretion in rats.
While these results are interesting, more research in humans is needed to determine whether the effects are indeed significant.
What Are the Harms of Elderberry?
Elder-berryWhile there are promising potential benefits, there are also some dangers associated with its consumption. Can cause stomach problems when the skin, unripe fruits and seeds are eaten in large quantities, lectins It contains small amounts of ingredients known as
In addition, elderberry plantcontains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which in some cases can release cyanide. This is a toxin also found in apricot kernels and almonds.
100 gram fresh elderberry It contains 3 mg of cyanide per head and 100-3 mg per 17 grams of fresh leaves. Only 60% of the fatal dose for a 3 kg person.
However, commercial products and cooked fruits do not contain cyanide, so there are no death reports from those who ate them. Uncooked fruits, leaves, peel or elderberry rootsFood symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
S. mexicanaelderberry varietyThere is a report of eight people who became ill after drinking the juice of freshly picked fruits, including leaves and branches. They experienced nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and numbness.
The toxic substances in the fruit can be safely removed by cooking. However, branches, bark or leaves should not be used for cooking or juicing.
If you are picking flowers or fruits, elderberry species the plant is American or European elderberry make sure it is. Also, remove the peel or leaves before use.
Elder-berryIt is not recommended for children under the age of 18, adolescents and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Although no side effects have been reported in these groups, there is insufficient data to confirm that it is safe.
Due to its powerful effects on health, elder-berrycan potentially interact with several drugs. If you are currently taking any of the following medicines, elderberry supplement or other elder-berry Talk to your healthcare provider before using herbal products:
Diabetes medications
Diuretics (water pills)
Chemotherapy
Immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids (prednisone), and medicines used to treat autoimmune diseases
Laxatives
- Theophylline (TheoDur)
As a result;
Elder-berryis a type of plant grown for its medicinal properties and used to treat various ailments.
It can provide relief from cold and flu symptoms, as well as allergies and sinus infections.
It can also help lower blood sugar, improve heart health, support skin health, and act as a natural diuretic.
This herb is available in syrup, juice, and tea form.
Although commercial products are generally safe for consumption, eating raw elderberries May cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The use of this antiviral herb is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or those with autoimmune disorders.
