Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive)

Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) is a heritage fruit containing lycopene and other carotenoids, but lacks clinical evidence for health benefits. The berries are traditionally consumed as preserves, though no therapeutic effects have been scientifically documented.

Origin & History

Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia that was introduced to North America in the 1830s as an ornamental plant and soil stabilizer. The plant produces silvery-scaled leaves, fragrant yellowish-white flowers, and red scaly berries that ripen from August to November. While the berries are sometimes consumed by humans in jellies and jams, no standardized extracts or biomedical preparations have been documented.

Historical & Cultural Context

The research provides no information on historical or traditional medicinal uses of Elaeagnus umbellata in any medical systems. Its documented use is limited to modern consumption of fruit in preserves and its primary recognition as an invasive species in North America requiring herbicide control.

Health Benefits

• No clinically proven health benefits - no human trials identified in available research
• Berries consumed in traditional preserves - no evidence of therapeutic effects documented
• Contains carbohydrates per ecological studies - no biomedical significance established
• Nitrogen-fixing properties benefit soil ecology only - no human health applications found
• Potential heavy metal contamination risk identified - may pose health concerns rather than benefits

How It Works

Elaeagnus umbellata berries contain lycopene and beta-carotene, carotenoids that theoretically could provide antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging mechanisms. However, no specific molecular pathways or receptor interactions have been studied for this fruit. The bioavailability and therapeutic significance of these compounds from Autumn Olive remain unestablished.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses examining the biomedical effects of Elaeagnus umbellata were identified in the research. All available studies focus exclusively on its invasive ecology and herbicide control methods, with no PMIDs or clinical research documented.

Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted on Elaeagnus umbellata for health benefits. Available research consists primarily of ecological and agricultural studies examining the plant's nitrogen-fixing properties and basic nutritional composition. Traditional use is limited to food preservation methods without documented therapeutic applications. The absence of clinical evidence means health claims cannot be substantiated.

Nutritional Profile

Per 100g fresh berries (approximate values from analytical studies): Energy ~75–85 kcal; Water ~65–72%; Carbohydrates ~18–22g (primarily sugars: glucose and fructose); Protein ~1.5–2.5g; Fat ~1.0–1.8g (seed oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids); Dietary fiber ~3–5g. **Carotenoids/Lycopene:** Notable lycopene content reported at ~15–54 mg/100g fresh weight (significantly higher than raw tomatoes at ~3 mg/100g), though bioavailability from the berry matrix has not been clinically characterized and likely varies with processing and co-ingestion of dietary fat. **Vitamins:** Vitamin C ~12–30 mg/100g (variable by ripeness and growing conditions); Vitamin A activity from beta-carotene ~0.3–0.8 mg/100g; Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) ~1.5–3.5 mg/100g primarily concentrated in seed fraction. **Minerals:** Potassium ~250–350 mg; Calcium ~30–50 mg; Magnesium ~15–25 mg; Phosphorus ~25–40 mg; Iron ~0.5–1.2 mg (non-heme, lower bioavailability); Zinc ~0.3–0.6 mg. Trace amounts of manganese, copper, and selenium reported. **Phenolic compounds:** Total phenolics ~150–450 mg GAE/100g fresh weight; flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides; phenolic acids including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ellagic acid. **Fatty acid profile (seed oil):** Oleic acid ~30–40%, linoleic acid ~25–35%, palmitic acid ~8–12%, alpha-linolenic acid ~5–10%. **Important caveats:** Nutritional values are derived primarily from limited analytical chemistry studies (not large-scale USDA-type databases); considerable variation exists between ecotypes, geographic populations, and ripeness stages. Nitrogen-fixing capacity of the plant does not translate to elevated nitrogen-containing nutrients in fruit. Heavy metal bioaccumulation potential (particularly cadmium, lead, and zinc) has been documented in plants growing on contaminated soils, and berries foraged from roadsides, industrial areas, or reclaimed mine sites may contain unsafe levels. No standardized bioavailability studies for lycopene or polyphenols from this specific fruit matrix have been conducted in humans.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist for any form of Elaeagnus umbellata (extract, powder, or standardized preparation), as no human trials have been conducted. The berries are occasionally consumed in jellies and jams, but no therapeutic doses have been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Not applicable - no biomedical research exists

Safety & Interactions

Safety data for Elaeagnus umbellata consumption is limited to traditional food use patterns. No documented drug interactions, contraindications, or adverse effects have been reported in available literature. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established due to lack of studies. Standard precautions for novel fruits should be observed, particularly regarding allergic reactions.