Sambucus (elder or elderberry) is a genus of between 5 and 30 species of shrubs or small trees in the moschatel family,Adoxaceae. It was formerly placed in the honeysuckle family,Caprifoliaceae, but was reclassified due to genetic evidence. Two of its species are herbaceous.
The genus is native in temperate-to-subtropical regions of both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. It is more widespread in the Northern Hemisphere; its Southern Hemisphere occurrence is restricted to parts of Australasia andSouth America.
The leaves are pinnate with 5–9 leaflets (rarely 3 or 11). Each leaf is 5–30 cm (2.0–12 in) long, and the leaflets have serrated margins. They bear large clusters of small white or cream-colored flowers in late spring; these are followed by clusters of small black, blue-black, or red berries (rarely yellow or white).
Benefits of Elderberry
One of the most noteworthy elderberry benefits is, its efficacy in treating flu symptoms, especially the influenza B. These benefits of elderberry juice and elderberry extracts, have been pointed out by a study carried out in the year 2004. The study has noted significant improvement in the conditions of the flu patients, who were given elderberry extract. This beneficial effect may be due to antioxidant properties of the elderberries. Berries contain flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties and hence, boost theimmune system to fight against viral and bacterial infections. At the same time, elderberries are also rich in a compound, known as anthocyanin, which has ant-inflammatory effect. Therefore, it can alleviate the symptoms like muscle aches, pain or fever associated with flu or influenza.
However, elderberries are not only abundant in antioxidants, but also in vitamin A, B and C and nutrients like, amino acids, carotenoids, tannin and rutin. All these account for the health benefits of elderberry. Apart from strengthening the immune system, to fight against viral infections and flu, elderberry and its extract are also found to be effective in conditions like cold, yeast infection, asthma, cough, nasal and chest congestion and diabetes. It can help to reduce the level of cholesterol and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is considered as an important contributory factor for cardiovascular diseases. So, elderberries can provide protection against cardiovascular and heart diseases including, strokes and heart attacks. Stress reduction, vision improvement, improvement in digestion, are some other important elderberry benefits.
