Herbs (Global Traditional) · European
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) (Sambucus nigra)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) contains phenolic compounds including quercetin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These bioactive compounds work by scavenging free radicals and modulating inflammatory pathways, though human clinical evidence remains limited.
Elderflower comes from Sambucus nigra L., a flowering plant native to Europe and North America in the Adoxaceae family. The flowers are typically harvested during bloom and extracted via aqueous infusion, decoction, or organic solvents to obtain their polyphenolic compounds, predominantly flavonoids and phenolic acids.
The research dossier reveals no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs specifically for elderflower (S. nigra flowers). Current evidence is limited to in vitro studies, animal models, and documentation of traditional uses, highlighting the need for rigorous human clinical research.
No clinically studied dosage ranges, standardized forms, or specific extract concentrations have been established in human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) are primarily valued for their bioactive phytochemical content rather than macronutrient density, as they are typically consumed as infusions, cordials, or extracts rather than as a caloric food source. **Bioactive Compounds:** • Flavonoids (total flavonoid content approximately 1.4–2.4% dry weight): predominantly quercetin (up to ~0.42 mg/g dry weight), kaempferol (~0.15–0.29 mg/g dry weight), isorhamnetin, and their glycosides including rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, ~0.3–1.2 mg/g dry weight) and isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-glucoside). • Phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid (~0.5–1.8 mg/g dry weight), caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid; total phenolic content reported at approximately 25–59 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram dry weight depending on extraction method and origin. • Triterpenes: ursolic acid and oleanolic acid (~0.5–1.0% dry weight), contributing to anti-inflammatory properties. • Volatile/aromatic compounds: linalool, cis- and trans-rose oxide, hotrienol, and nerol oxide (responsible for characteristic floral aroma; relevant in essential oil fraction). • Sterols: β-sitosterol in minor quantities. • Mucilage and pectins present in flower tissue. • Lectins: Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) proteins, present in low concentrations in flowers (higher in bark/leaves). **Vitamins:** • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): approximately 12–36 mg per 100 g fresh flowers (variable by harvest time and region); bioavailability is moderate but may degrade during drying or prolonged infusion at high temperatures. • Small amounts of B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3) detected but not nutritionally significant at typical consumption levels. • Provitamin A carotenoids: trace amounts of β-carotene. **Minerals:** • Potassium: ~700–1,100 mg per 100 g dry weight. • Calcium: ~400–800 mg per 100 g dry weight. • Magnesium: ~150–250 mg per 100 g dry weight. • Phosphorus: ~100–200 mg per 100 g dry weight. • Iron: ~4–9 mg per 100 g dry weight. • Zinc, copper, and manganese present in trace amounts (typically <5 mg per 100 g dry weight each). Note: Mineral bioavailability may be reduced by the presence of phenolic compounds and fiber which can chelate divalent cations. **Macronutrients (per 100 g dry flowers, approximate):** • Protein: ~3–6 g. • Fat: ~1–3 g. • Dietary fiber: ~15–25 g (including soluble pectins and insoluble cellulosic material). • Carbohydrates: ~55–65 g (including sugars and structural polysaccharides). • Energy: approximately 250–300 kcal per 100 g dry weight (largely irrelevant at typical infusion doses of 3–5 g). **Bioavailability Notes:** Flavonoid glycosides (e.g., rutin) undergo hydrolysis by intestinal microflora to release aglycones (e.g., quercetin), with bioavailability estimated at 2–20% depending on gut microbiome composition and food matrix. Chlorogenic acid has moderate bioavailability (~33% absorbed in the small intestine, remainder metabolized by colonic microbiota). Aqueous infusions (teas, cordials) extract approximately 30–60% of total phenolics and 40–70% of flavonoids from dried flowers. Ethanol-based tinctures may extract a broader spectrum of lipophilic triterpenes and volatile compounds. Typical therapeutic dose in traditional European herbal medicine: 3–5 g dried flowers per 150 mL boiling water as an infusion, taken 2–3 times daily.
Elderflower's phenolic compounds, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, neutralize reactive oxygen species through electron donation and chelate metal ions that catalyze oxidative reactions. The flavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase while modulating NF-κB signaling pathways. Chlorogenic acid contributes to antioxidant activity by scavenging hydroxyl and superoxide radicals.
Current evidence for elderflower is primarily limited to in vitro studies and traditional use documentation, with no published human randomized controlled trials specifically on elderflower extract. In vitro studies demonstrate DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 values around 50-100 μg/mL for elderflower extracts. Animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects, but sample sizes are typically small (n=6-12 per group) and results cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Most human evidence comes from observational studies of traditional elderflower preparations rather than standardized clinical trials.
Elderflower is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food or beverage, with mild gastrointestinal upset being the most commonly reported side effect. No significant drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical interactions with diabetes medications may occur due to potential blood sugar effects. Raw elderflower contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release hydrogen cyanide, so only properly prepared extracts should be used. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, warranting caution during these periods.
