ELDERFLOWER: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Elderflower is the flower of the European or black elder tree (Sambucus nigra), which is also the source of elderberry. Its flower is used as medicine.

Elderflower contains chemicals that have antioxidant effects. It also contains chemicals that might have antidiabetic effects.

People use elderflower for common cold, constipation, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse elderflower with American elder, dwarf elder, or elderberry. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for ELDERFLOWER overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Elderflower is commonly consumed in foods. Dried elderflower is possibly safe when used in doses of 3.9 grams daily for 8 days, or in small amounts as part of a specific combination product containing elderflower, sorrel, gentian root, verbena, and cowslip flower (SinuComp, Phytopharmica) for up to 14 days. But elderflower is possibly unsafe when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elder tree contain a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough relatable information to know if elderflower is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if elderflower is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using elderflower at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ELDERFLOWER
Elderflower might lower blood sugar levels. Taking elderflower along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of elderflower might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Melzer, J., Saller, R., Schapowal, A., and Brignoli, R. Systematic review of clinical data with BNO-101 (Sinupret) in the treatment of sinusitis. Forsch Komplement.Med (2006.) 2006;13(2):78-87. View abstract.

Picon, P. D., Picon, R. V., Costa, A. F., Sander, G. B., Amaral, K. M., Aboy, A. L., and Henriques, A. T. Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation. BMC.Complement Altern.Med. 2010;10:17. View abstract.

Chrubasik C, Maier T, Dawid C, et al. An observational study and quantification of the actives in a supplement with Sambucus nigra and Asparagus officinalis used for weight reduction. Phytother Res 2008;22:913-8. View abstract.

Cunha S, Meireles D, Machado J. Sambucus nigra - a promising natural source for human health. Exp Pathol Health Sci. 2016;8(2):59-66.

Elderberry (Sambucus species). The Poison Plant Patch, Novia Scotia Museum, 2007. Available at: https://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=117 (Accessed 16 October 2009).

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

European elder. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. Available at: https://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.jump?p_null=all&p_psn=121&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px (Accessed 16 October 2009).

Forster-Waldl E, Marchetti M, Scholl I, Focke M, et al. Type I allergy to elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is elicited by a 33.2 kDa allergen with significant homology to ribosomal inactivating proteins. Clin Exp Allergy 2003;33:1703-10. View abstract.

Gray AM, Abdel-Wahab YH, Flatt PR. The traditional plant treatment, Sambucus nigra (elder), exhibits insulin-like and insulin-releasing actions in vitro. J Nutr 2000;130:15-20. View abstract.

Marz RW, Ismail C, Popp MA. Action profile and efficacy of a herbal combination preparation for the treatment of sinusitis. Wien Med Wochenschr 1999;149:202-8. View abstract.

Mikulic-Petkovsek M, Samoticha J, Eler K, Stampar F, Veberic R. Traditional elderflower beverages: a rich source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity. J Agric Food Chem. 2015;63(5):1477-87. View abstract.

Neubauer N, Marz RW. Placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, clincal trial with Sinupret sugar coated tablets on the basis of a therapy with antibiotics and decongestant nasal drops in acute sinusitis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:177-81.

Peric A, Kovacevic SV, Gacesa D, Peric AV. Efficacy and safety of combined treatment of acute rhinosinusitis by herbal medicinal product Sinupret and mometasone furoate nasal spray. ENT Updates 2017;7(2):68-74.

Viapiana A, Wesolowski M. The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2017;72(1):82-7. View abstract.

Vlachojannis JE, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles. Phytother Res. 2010 Jan;24(1):1-8. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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ELDERFLOWER - Uses, Side Effects, and More